Col. Turki Almalki, the spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, issued the following statement today:
The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen condemns the threat against international navigation in the Red Sea, made by one of the Iranian-Houthi leaders on Monday.
In a blatant violation of international law, the Iranian-Houthi militia on Saturday attempted an attack by three remotely controlled drone-boats, targeting a Saudi oil tanker and threatening to disrupt navigation in Bab Al-Mandeb strait.
Three remotely controlled water-borne improvised explosive devices (WBIED) were charging in an aggressive formation towards the oil ship, before the Coalition vessel, escorting the tanker, intercepted and destroyed the boats.
Iranian-Houthi militias do not possess the capabilities to impose a conventional blockade on Bab Al-Mandeb strait, but only to indiscriminately target international ships in the Red Sea in violation of international law, proving the terrorist nature of the Iranian-Houthi militias.
The Coalition and its partners have continuously warned the international community against the terrorist threat posed by Iranian-Houthi militias to international navigation and the potential impact of such attacks on international trade.
The Coalition forces have a responsibility to the international community to maintain security of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels operating in the area against indiscriminate Houthi attacks.
Houthi-Iranian militias are using Hodeydah port not only for smuggling advanced weaponry, but also as a launchpad for attacks on international ships. It is the responsibility of the United Nations and the international community to hold Iran accountable to UN Resolution 2216 and abide by the requirements of international law.”
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