The US-led coalition and the White House have warned that attacks on US ships in the Red Sea and the capture of crews would have dire consequences.
Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based media outlet, reported this information on Wednesday (January 3).
"We want to make a clear statement to the Houthis immediately, calling on them to immediately stop these illegal attacks and release the illegally seized ships and crews," the White House said in a statement released Wednesday.
In this case, the Houthis have argued that the group is attacking the country's ships because of the US's involvement with Israel. They claim that it is an expression of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.
Members of the UN Security Council also called for an end to Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The United Nations has called on the Houthis to stop the attacks, saying such attacks divert shipping companies away from major trade routes.
Last week, Yemen's Houthi rebels said three of their ships were attacked in the Red Sea. They have lost at least 10 fighters. Houthi fighters claimed they were working to "establish security and stability and protect maritime navigation".
It is to be noted that the 'Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG)' operation led by the US Navy is going to start soon to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Though Canada, Australia and many countries of Europe and the Middle East are united in the campaign; France, Italy and Spain who are part of NATO, have decided not to participate.