White House Calls For Concerted Efforts Against Iran-Backed Houthis After Attack That Killed 3 Sailors

On March 6, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House spokesperson, in response to the Houthi group’s attack on a commercial ship in the Red Sea, which resulted in the killing of three crew members and injuring four others, stated that the United States calls on governments worldwide to join forces to collectively stop these horrific attacks.

According to the White House website, Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the Houthis, in their attack on a commercial ship flying the flag of Barbados, killed innocent civilians.

“So, today, the Houthis have killed innocent civilians by continuing their reckless attacks against international commercial shipping, which impacts countries throughout the world,” Jean-Pierre said.

“The ship they attacked was a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier.  It was not a U.S. ship, contrary to what the Houthis claimed.  These reckless attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis have not only disrupted global trade and commerce but also taken the lives of international sea- — seafarers simply doing their jobs.”

The White House spokesperson also condemned the Houthis for carrying out these attacks and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

In response to the incident, David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, posted on X:

“We condemn the Houthis’ reckless & indiscriminate attacks on global shipping & demand they stop.”

Earlier, the United States Central Command announced on March 6 that a missile attack by Houthi forces, backed by the Iranian regime, on a commercial ship resulted in the death of three crew members and injuries to four others.

The Central Command also mentioned that the remaining crew abandoned the ship and rescued themselves, and coalition naval forces are assessing the situation.

In this regard, US Republican Senator Tom Cotton posted on X:

“This is what weakness looks like. The Biden administration has allowed an Iranian proxy group of Yemeni outlaws to terrorize international shipping with deadly consequences.”

Houthis, supported by the Iranian regime, have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in recent months under the pretext of supporting the people of Gaza, using drones and missiles.

Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, reportedly using Iranian-made weapons, have jeopardized the lives of ship crews and increased the business costs of companies. However, the March 6 attack was the first incident that resulted in the killing and injury of a ship’s crew.

Experts acknowledge that these attacks are carried out at the behest of the Iranian regime and with its assistance.