Yemeni government warned Houthi rebels against military escalation in Red Sea
Photo: Yemen warned the Houthis against escalation in the Red Sea (GettyImages)
The Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the deteriorating security situation and military escalation by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to Xinhua.
The Yemeni government has warned the Iran-backed Houthi group about the consequences of escalating attacks in the Red Sea, targeting civilian objects, and undermining peace efforts.
It is claimed that in recent days, the Houthis have mobilized and relocated fighters, vehicles, and weapons on various fronts in Yemen. The government statement highly commends the readiness of the armed forces and popular resistance groups, which defend the country's state institutions and resist the aggression of militants.
The Presidential Leadership Council also discussed the potential impact on global shipping and trade from the repeated Houthi attacks, expressing hope that international unity would strengthen Yemen's ability to protect its waters and sovereignty.
The council meeting indicates an escalation of tension and the possibility of a return to active fighting between the Houthis and pro-government forces.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea
In November of last year, Yemeni Houthi rebels began attacking ships near the Yemeni coast. This occurred after the start of the Israeli-Hamas war. The actions of the Houthis started affecting global trade, as the Red Sea serves as a crucial trade route.
In response, the UK and the U.S. launched missile strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. London and Washington also emphasized that if the militants continued their attacks, the strikes would persist.
The Washington Post reported that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is developing plans for a sustained military campaign against Yemeni Houthi rebels.
