Over 10 countries release joint statement on strikes against Yemeni Houthis, calling it legitimate self-defence

A coalition of countries created to protect shipping in the Red Sea from the Yemeni Houthis has issued a joint statement calling the strikes on the Houthis legitimate self-defence.

Source: a joint statement by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada, released by the White House.

Quote: "In response to continued illegal, dangerous, and destabilising Houthi attacks against vessels, including commercial shipping, transiting the Red Sea, the armed forces of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and Australia, conducted joint strikes in accordance with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence, consistent with the UN Charter, against a number of targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.  

These precision strikes were intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of international mariners in one of the world’s most critical waterways."

"The Houthis’ more than two dozen attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November constitute an international challenge. Today’s action demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks."

Details: In their joint statement, countries called for "the immediate end of illegal attacks and warned that malign actors would be held accountable should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways."

The countries noted that their goal remains the de-escalation of tensions and the restoration of stability in the Red Sea.

"Let our message be clear: we will not hesitate to defend lives and protect the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways in the face of continued threats," the statement reads.

Background: 

• The United States and the United Kingdom began striking targets associated with the Houthis in Yemen on the night of 11-12 January.
• The US and UK militaries bombed more than a dozen targets used by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen as part of a massive retaliatory strike using Tomahawk missiles launched from warships and fighter jets.
• US President Joe Biden confirmed the attack by the USA and the UK, with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, on the Houthis in Yemen.
• UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also confirmed that his country's air force had carried out "targeted strikes against military facilities" used by the Houthis in Yemen.

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