US and allies issue ultimatum to Houthis to stop Red Sea attacks

The US and its allies issued a final ultimatum to the Houthis to stop maritime attacks in the Red Sea or “bear the responsibility of the consequences”.

A statement released Wednesday by the White House and 11 other US allies said the Houthis had no lawful justification for intentionally targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels. It also called on the Houthis to release detained vessels and crews.

“Attacks on vessels…are a direct threat to the freedom of navigation that serves as the bedrock of global trade in one of the world’s most critical waterways,” the statement said.

"The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.”