In light of the illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing
Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against U.S. and international vessels and
commercial vessels from many countries lawfully transiting the Red Sea, today
the militaries of the United States and the United Kingdom, with support from
Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, conducted strikes against
military targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. This action is intended
to disrupt and degrade the Houthis' capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten
global trade in one of the world's most critical waterways. Today's coalition
action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs
if they do not end their illegal attacks.
Today's strikes targeted sites associated with the Houthis'
unmanned aerial vehicle, ballistic and cruise missile, and coastal radar and
air surveillance capabilities. The United States maintains its right to
self-defense and, if necessary, we will take follow-on actions to protect U.S.
forces.
Since November 19, the Houthis have launched more than two dozen
attacks on vessels, including commercial vessels, creating an international
challenge that demands collective action. Today, a coalition of countries
committed to upholding the rules-based international order demonstrated our
shared commitment to defending U.S. and international vessels and commercial
vessels exercising navigational rights and freedoms from illegal and
unjustifiable attacks.
We will not hesitate to defend our forces, the global economy, and the free flow of legitimate commerce in one of the world's vital waterways.
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