Barran Press
On Friday, December 6, 2024, the U.S. State Department announced ongoing efforts to coordinate responses to the reckless attacks carried out by the Houthi movement, which is classified as a terrorist organization, against shipping vessels in the Red Sea.
In a statement released by the department's spokesperson, the U.S. emphasized that "international patience regarding the ongoing provocations from this non-state armed group has run out."
The statement detailed that U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, is visiting Manama, Bahrain; Doha, Qatar; and Djibouti from December 5 to December 12. During his trip, Lenderking will meet with partners to coordinate efforts to counter the Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Additionally, Lenderking will engage in discussions with officials and representatives from civil society to address the urgent need to facilitate access to humanitarian goods and services for civilians and to create favorable conditions for political dialogue among Yemeni parties.
According to the statement, the special envoy will discuss the grave concerns regarding the Houthis' continued detention of innocent sailors and Yemenis working for international organizations and diplomatic missions. He will also address the impact of these detentions on the critical delivery of humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people.
Since October 2023, the internationally designated terrorist group has escalated its attacks with missiles and drones against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. These assaults have led to increased marine insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for much longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
In response to the Houthi threats and to protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023, while U.S. forces have occasionally conducted strikes against Houthi military targets.