Alarming statement from Lebanon regarding 'tension in Yemen'
In a written statement, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over military operations in the Red Sea and airstrikes on Yemeni territory.
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The statement emphasized the importance of efforts to support the safety of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the stability of the region, calling for an end to military escalation and operations.
The statement highlighted that the real cause of the escalation in the Red Sea is Israel's attacks on Gaza, warning that the conflict could spread throughout the entire Middle East.
TENSION IN THE RED SEA CONTINUES
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have been seizing commercial vessels they claim are linked to Israeli companies off the coast of Yemen, and launching drone and missile attacks on some, since October 31, 2023, in response to Israel's attacks on Gaza.
During this period, U.S. forces have announced multiple times that they have shot down missiles and kamikaze drones launched from Yemen.
Following the actions of the Houthis, numerous shipping companies decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea.
On December 18, 2023, the U.S. announced the creation of a multinational "maritime task force" called "Operation Prosperity Guardian" against Houthi forces, with the participation of a group of countries, citing the threat to global maritime trade security.
On December 31, three Houthi speedboats attempting to seize a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea were fired upon by U.S. helicopters.
On January 10, the Houthis announced that a U.S.-owned ship had been targeted in the Red Sea with missiles and kamikaze drones on the grounds that it was supporting Israel.
On January 11, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution submitted by the U.S. and Japan demanding an immediate end to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
U.S. and British warplanes conducted airstrikes on several locations in the Yemeni cities of Sanaa, Hodeidah, and Taiz during the night of January 12.
The Houthis announced that 5 of their members were killed in the attacks carried out by the U.S. and the UK on Yemen.
Approximately 12 percent of global trade is conducted through the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia.