Houthis vow to keep attacking ships in Red Sea despite formation of US-led task force
The Houthis have said they will continue attacking vessels in the Red Sea, despite the formation of a US-led task force designed to protect freedom of navigation in the region.
The US-led International Maritime Security Construct has been set up to provide security for ships in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in response to a series of attacks on vessels by the Houthis in the area.
The Houthi movement, however, have said they will continue to launch attacks against vessels they deem to be engaging in activities which threaten the security of Yemen and the sovereignty of its territorial waters.
The Houthis have accused the US and other western countries of bias towards Saudi Arabia, which is an active participant in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. They contend that the US-led task force is merely a means to protect the interests of the Saudi-led coalition, and has nothing to do with providing security for the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea or the protection of civilian vessels.
Despite this, the US has warned the Houthis it will take necessary action against them if they continue to attack vessels in the region. The US has called on the Houthis to cease their acts of aggression, and to refrain from further hostilities in the Red Sea.