US seeking 'broad' coalition to protect trade in Red Sea amid Houthi rebel attacks

US seeking 'broad' coalition to protect trade in Red Sea amid Houthi rebel attacks

The U.S. is seeking to set up the "broadest possible" coalition to protect trade vessels traversing the Red Sea from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Houthi terrorist organization has launched missiles and carried out hijack operations against severl trade vessles near the coast of Yemen in recent weeks. The group has declared the actions in solidarity with Hamas and the Palestinian people.

U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking told Reuters the U.S. wanted the multi-national coalition to send "an important signal by the international community that Houthi threats to international shipping won't be tolerated."

Just this week, Houthis shot two anti-ship missiles at a civilian vessel and launched skiffs in an apparent hijack attempt. The USS Mason also shot down a one-way attack drone on Wednesday.