BRITAIN and eleven allies last night issued a final warning to Houthi rebels – stop Red Sea attacks or “bear the consequences”.
In a joint statement, the dozen countries including the US branded the assaults on cargo ships “illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilising”.
They did not directly specify what military action would be taken against the Iranian-backed militants should they continue targeting vessels.
But reports in recent days suggest Western nations including the UK were preparing to launch air strikes on the Yemen-based group.
The statement released last night said: “Let our message now be clear: we call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews.
“The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.”
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Several companies have paused shipping through the Red Sea following the spate of attempted hijackings and attacks via small boats and ballistic missiles.
The joint statement made clear said the Houthis were posing a “direct threat to the freedom of navigation that serves as the bedrock of global trade in one of the world’s most critical waterways.”
It added: “These attacks threaten innocent lives from all over the world and constitute a significant international problem that demands collective action.”
Meanwhile forcing ships to divert round the Cape of Africa was increasing delays and extra costs onto goods while “ultimately jeopardising the movement of critical food”.
It was signed by Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States.
Rishi Sunak said last night: “We stand united. The Houthis must end their deadly and destabilising attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
“The UK will always take action to defend freedom of navigation.”
