Joint statement by the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States

January 11, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

“Recognizing the broad consensus expressed by 44 countries around the world on 19 December 2023 and the UN Security Council statement of 1 December 2023 condemning the Houthi attacks on commercial ships sailing in the Red Sea. , our government issued a statement warning on January 3, 2024, calling for an immediate end to illegal attacks and the free flow of commerce in the region’s vital waterways. Despite this strong warning, , attacks in the Red Sea continue, including the launch of numerous missiles and one-way attack aircraft against Red Sea shipping, including US and British vessels, on January 9, 2024. January 10, 2024 On Sunday, the UN Security Council passed UN Security Council Resolution 2722, which also condemned these attacks and called for an end.

“In response to the Houthis’ continued illegal, dangerous and destabilizing attacks on shipping, including commercial ships transiting the Red Sea, U.S. and British forces, supported by the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain and Australia, Coordinated attacks against a number of targets in Houthi-controlled areas, based on the inherent right of individual and collective self-defense under the United Nations Charter. The objective was to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of international seafarers in order to threaten the lives of international seafarers.

“More than 20 attacks by the Houthis on commercial ships since mid-November pose an international challenge. Today’s action protects freedom of navigation, international commerce, and the lives of seafarers from illegal and unjustified attacks. It showed a common determination.

“While our goal remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, let us make our message clear: We will not hesitate to protect human life and free commerce in international waterways.”

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