New Zealand has extended its deployment of troops participating in the US-led "Combined Maritime Forces" (CMF) to secure international shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, according to a joint statement released by Defense Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Friday, July 12, 2024.

The deployment, initially scheduled to end this month, has been extended until January 31, 2025. The statement, translated by Bran Press, clarifies that the deployment aims to "target Houthi military assets that have attacked commercial and naval vessels."

Minister Collins emphasized that the decision to extend the deployment "reflects the ongoing need for partnership and action in line with New Zealand’s values, something we have done regularly to support maritime security in the Middle East."

She added that "the Houthis' continued attacks on international shipping are illegal, run counter to our values, and continue to impact New Zealand’s economy."

The statement highlights New Zealand's commitment to the rules-based international order and freedom of navigation. It notes that New Zealand has "been contributing to international efforts to enhance maritime security in the Middle East since the mid-1990s."

Currently, up to 26 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed across various coalitions and commands in the region.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group, designated a terrorist organization by several countries, has continued to launch missile and drone attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden.

These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

To deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. Meanwhile, US forces have been conducting strikes against Houthi military targets.

Since January 12, the US and UK have carried out approximately 560 airstrikes against the Houthis, resulting in the deaths of 58 individuals and injuries to 86 others, according to the Houthi group's own admission.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government argues that Western airstrikes are ineffective in neutralizing the Houthi threat to navigation and that the most effective solution is to support its armed forces in retaking Hodeidah, its ports, and other areas controlled by the group.

Despite the Houthis' continued maritime attacks, only three vessels out of 162 claimed to have been targeted since last November have reported serious incidents or injuries.