Joint Statement by More than Ten Countries including the United States and the United Kingdom: Warning Houthi Militants to Cease Attacks on Red Sea Merchant Ships, or Face the Consequences

The ongoing attacks by Houthi militants continue to disrupt global trade, prompting countries such as the United States to issue ultimatums. On January 3rd, local time, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Singapore issued a joint statement stating that "if Houthi militants in Yemen continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in key waterways in the region, they will be held responsible for the consequences." These countries stated that the attacks by Houthi militants on Red Sea vessels are "illegal, unacceptable, and seriously destabilizing." Following a series of attacks, many container shipping companies have chosen to avoid the Red Sea and reroute around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. The Red Sea route accounts for approximately 12% of global trade. On January 2nd, Maersk, the world's second-largest container shipping company, announced that it will continue to suspend all shipping through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the resumption date to be announced later. Prior to this, Maersk's vessel "Hangzhou" was attacked twice while sailing in the Red Sea. This comes just a week after Maersk announced its plans to resume its routes through the Red Sea in December 2023, following the implementation of the U.S.-led "Operation Prosperity Guardian" initiative. Maersk's decision to once again suspend transit through the Red Sea raises questions about the effectiveness of the U.S.-led Red Sea escort operation. According to media reports citing former Israeli intelligence officials and regional analyst Avi Melamed, when the "Operation Prosperity Guardian" was first implemented, the United States demonstrated its strength in the Middle East by deploying a large number of naval, air, and ground forces, enhancing its prestige in the region. However, he pointed out that Maersk's decision to halt the Red Sea route highlights the failure of the U.S. government in dealing with the threat posed by Houthi militants. Despite the U.S. government's defensive strategy, including the recent sinking of three Houthi vessels, it is evident that the U.S. government's response measures are not strong enough.