Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib expressed support on Friday for the US-UK operation against Yemen's Houthi rebels on Friday.
On Friday, the US and UK conducted strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen "in line with the United Nations charter", according to a collective statement from the countries involved. The strikes were a response to the Houthis' "illegal, dangerous and destabilising" attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea.
Belgium, although not directly involved, has expressed its support for the operation. "The ongoing attacks by the Houthis are a real danger for the stability of the region and represent an escalation that benefits no one," Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib (MR) said on social media.
"Belgium is working with its EU partners and US ally to restore maritime security in the region and avoid any spillover."
The strikes were led by the US and the UK and supported by the Netherlands, Canada, and Bahrain. "These precision strikes aim to limit the Houthis' ability to threaten global trade and sailors' lives on one of the world's main maritime routes," reads the joint statement from the coalition.
The supporting countries also underscore that the attack demonstrates their shared commitment to upholding freedom of navigation, international trade, and the protection of sailors from unlawful and unwarranted attacks.
Their shared goal is to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea. If the Houthi rebels continue their assaults, the allied countries "will not hesitate to protect human lives and the free movement of goods."
Following the Israel-Hamas war, the Houthis have escalated attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea since mid-November. This has led many ship owners to avoid the area, increasing costs and travel times between Europe and Asia. The rebels allege they are targeting commercial ships they suspect have ties to Israel, claiming solidarity with the Gaza Strip.
In December, the European Union agreed to contribute to the US-led operation to protect commercial maritime transport in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Belga News Agency contributed to this report.
