Arab nations decline US invitation to join Red Sea operation against Houthi rebels
Despite the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition aimed at protecting the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks, significant Arab nations such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have declined to participate.
The alliance, comprising the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, was announced on December 19, 2023.
READ ALSO: Yemen most at risk of humanitarian catastrophe in 2021 – IRC warns
In response to the coalition’s formation, the Yemeni Minister of Defense, General Mohammed Naser al-Atifi, issued a warning that Yemen has the capability to sink foreign fleets.
Meanwhile, the Yemeni Houthi Armed Forces declared their intention to impede ships heading to Israeli ports until aid reaches Gaza. They confirmed a military operation against two ships linked to Israel after seaplanes targeted “The Swan Atlantic” loaded with oil and the “MSC Clara” carrying containers.
The official statement claimed that their crews ignored calls from Yemeni naval forces.
The Yemeni Armed Forces assured the safety of ships worldwide except those bound for Israeli ports. They emphasized the need to keep communication channels open.
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