Blinken Issues Warning of ‘Consequences’ for Ongoing Houthi Assaults

US Warns of “Consequences” for Continued Houthi Attacks

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken alerted that there would be retribution for the ongoing Houthi assaults in the Red Sea. He expressed to more than 20 countries, without revealing any details, that there would be “consequences” if the hostilities persist.

Blinken’s statement comes amidst the lack of de-escalation by the Yemen-based Iranian-backed Houthi group, raising concerns of a potential regional conflict. On Tuesday, the US Navy intercepted 21 Houthi missiles and drones, one of the largest attacks staged in the Red Sea recently.

No damage to ships or injuries were reported after the drone and missile launches, according to CENTCOM. The Houthi group has claimed these attacks and seizures of commercial vessels as a retaliation for the Israeli offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

The US is considering stronger military action in response to the Houthi attacks, despite negotiations with Iran and the Houthis for de-escalation. The US, along with international allies, is in talks to respond to the Houthi’s aggression, which poses a clear threat to global interests.

Following the Houthi attacks, British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps and National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the need for action to protect innocent lives and the global economy, and to coordinate plans for future steps. The US and 12 other countries have released a joint statement condemning Houthi’s attacks on shipping.

A US-led resolution denouncing the Houthi attacks is expected to be voted upon by the United Nations Security Council. The resolution demands an immediate halt to such attacks.

Additional details have been added to this story.

Contributions to this report are from CNN’s Oren Liebermann and Kevin Liptak.