Ten countries, including South Korea, have issued a joint statement supporting the precision strikes carried out by the United States and Britain against Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea. The strikes were in response to the Houthis’ repeated attacks on vessels in the region. The coalition strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen targeted military sites and aimed to protect the free flow of commerce and defend lives.
The joint statement emphasized that the strikes were conducted in accordance with the inherent right of self-defense and in line with the UN Charter. The countries involved in the statement are South Korea, the United States, Britain, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
The statement highlighted the shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and the protection of mariners from unjustifiable attacks. Its purpose is to de-escalate tensions, restore stability in the Red Sea, and send a clear message that hostile actions that threaten freedom of navigation will not be tolerated.
U.S. President Joe Biden stressed the importance of the coalition strikes, stating that they signal a firm stance against any actors endangering the freedom of navigation in critical commercial routes. He made it clear that further measures will be taken if necessary to protect the people and international commerce.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also emphasized the intention of the strikes, which was to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Houthis in order to safeguard mariners and global trade in the Red Sea. He reiterated the United States’ right to self-defense and the willingness to take additional actions if needed.
The strikes specifically targeted the Houthis’ unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as their coastal radar and air surveillance capabilities.
This joint statement reflects the international community’s concern over the illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing actions of the Houthis in the Red Sea. It highlights the importance of maintaining stability and protecting the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
The coalition strikes demonstrate a united front against the ongoing Houthi attacks and a determination to safeguard the lives of mariners and ensure the security of international trade. As tensions escalate, the international community remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution and restoring stability in the Red Sea.
The joint statement sends a clear message to the Houthis and other potential threats that the international community will not hesitate to defend against any actions that jeopardize the freedom of navigation and the vital interests of nations relying on the Red Sea for trade and security.
Through this collective effort, the ten countries involved aim to deter further aggression, protect vital shipping routes, and maintain a secure environment for international commerce. As this global coalition takes decisive action against the Houthis, the hope is that tensions will de-escalate, stability will be restored, and peace will prevail in the Red Sea.
