Houthi Rebels Firmly Respond: We Won't Stop Attacks, Even If The U.S. Mobilizes The Whole World

Houthi Rebels Firmly Respond: "We Won't Stop Attacks, Even if the U.S. Mobilizes the Whole World"

Financial Connect News, December 20th (Reporter: Bian Chun) - Just hours after the United States announced the formation of a multinational naval alliance to safeguard commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Houthi rebels in Yemen responded on Tuesday, stating that they would not cease their "military operations" in the Red Sea.

A spokesperson for the Houthi rebels conveyed that despite the U.S. announcement of establishing a new maritime protection force against them, they would continue to target vessels associated with Israel in the Red Sea.

Mohammed Buhaiti, a senior Houthi official, posted on X platform on Tuesday, saying, "Even if the U.S. successfully mobilizes the entire world, our military operations will not stop... no matter the sacrifices we have to make."

Buhaiti stated that they would cease their attacks only if Israel "stops its crimes in Gaza and allows food, medicine, and fuel to reach the besieged population."

Earlier, the Houthi rebels had declared that all ships owned or operated by Israeli companies or flying the Israeli flag would be "legitimate targets" for their attacks. The rebels have recently targeted dozens of commercial vessels, attempting to compel Israel to halt its bombings in the Gaza Strip.

Following consecutive attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea, prompting several global shipping companies to suspend routes, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on Monday the establishment of an alliance to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea. The United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain will join the U.S.-led new mission.

"Houthi rebels' brazen attacks are a serious international issue that demands a firm response from the international community," stated Austin when referring to the new 10-country alliance. He emphasized that the mission of this force is to "ensure freedom of navigation for all nations and promote regional security and prosperity."

In response to the U.S. announcement of forming the alliance, the Houthi rebels, in a statement on the same day, expressed that their maritime operations aim to "support the Palestinian people facing Israeli aggression and blockade," rather than being a "show of force or challenge" against other parties.

The statement warned that the U.S.-led multinational force would "militarize the Red Sea" without a justifiable reason, asserting that "anyone attempting to escalate the conflict must bear the consequences."

Currently, there is a risk of further escalation of tension in the Red Sea. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, a senior Houthi official and chief negotiator, stated that Houthi attacks are not provocative actions. However, if the newly formed alliance, led by the U.S., insists on launching attacks, they will have to bear the consequences of a broader conflict in the region.

Russian military expert Sivkov recently pointed out that military actions by the U.S. and other countries in the Red Sea will lead to an expansion of the conflict in Yemen, with Houthi rebels taking more aggressive actions.

So far, at least 12 shipping companies, including the Italian-Swiss joint venture shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company, French CMA CGM Group, and Danish Maersk Line, have temporarily halted Red Sea routes due to security concerns. British oil giant BP announced on Monday that it would be the latest company to avoid the area.

About 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea, connected to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Houthi attacks have disrupted some trade routes, forcing shipping companies to detour around Africa, leading to increased transportation costs and delays in the shipment of energy, food, and consumer goods.

Analysts point out that the interruption of this global trade artery in the Red Sea could undermine global efforts to combat inflation. Major central banks worldwide have been cutting interest rates to counter inflation and reduce prices.

The disruption in the Red Sea routes, with several major shipping companies already suspending services, is alarming. As a consequence, we anticipate potential delays in our shipments to the U.S., which could impact our supply chain and overall business efficiency.

The situation underscores the interconnectedness of geopolitical events and their impact on international trade. It highlights the need for a diplomatic resolution to ensure the stability of crucial shipping lanes and the unimpeded flow of goods. As stakeholders in this global trade network, we closely monitor these developments and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution that allows for the resumption of normal shipping operations in the Red Sea.