Lloyd Austin and Grant Shapps both agreed the attacks by the Yemen-based Houthi group in Red sea “violate freedom of navigation protected by international law, and threaten citizens of multiple countries”, according to the Pentagon.
“Both secretaries highlighted the attacks are unacceptable and profoundly destabilising to the international rules-based order,” a statement said.
“Secretary Austin noted these attacks constitute a significant international problem that demands collective action.”
The US launched a 20-country coalition to protect commercial ships after the Houthis said they would attack all vessels, going to or coming from Israel, in solidarity with Gaza.
Source: AlJazeera