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Middle East conflict

Houthis accuse US of intent to 'militarize' Red Sea

Since mid-November, several commercial and military ships in the Red Sea were attacked from the territory, controlled by Ansar Allah

DUBAI, December 20. /TASS/. Leader of the Yemeni Houthi rebel movement Abdul-Malik al-Houthi accused the US of intent to "militarize" the Red Sea.

"The US’ actions are not aimed at protecting the international navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The biggest danger [for the navigation] is posed by the actions of the US, who seeks to militarize the Red Sea," he said.

After the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis claimed that they will carry out strikes at Israeli territory and will not allow Israel-affiliated ships to pass through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the operation in the Palestinian enclave ends. Since mid-November, several commercial and military ships in the Red Sea were attacked from the territory, controlled by Ansar Allah. In addition, the Houthis captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship with a crew of 20.

In response, the US announced the establishment of an international coalition and the preparation of an operation on ensuring the freedom of navigation and protection of ships in the Red Sea. The coalition should include Bahrain, the UK, Spain, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles and France. Meanwhile, Houthi spokesman Mohammad Abdel Salam told TASS that the establishment of the coalition will not affect the movement’s decision to attack Israeli-affiliated ships.

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