U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Convene Virtual Meeting to Address Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to convene a virtual meeting of defense ministers Tuesday to address the recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Houthi militants, a Shia Islamist group backed by Iran.

The attacks have caused major shipping lines and oil transporters to suspend their services through the Red Sea, as more than a dozen vessels have come under attack since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in early October.

“These attacks are reckless, dangerous, and they violate international law,” Austin said Monday during a trip to Israel.

The Houthis have threatened to target any commercial ship they believe is headed to Israel until Israel allows more aid into Gaza. This has caused disruptions and price increases to shipments of goods and fuel, and could lead to further disruptions if the situation is not addressed.

John Kirby, National Security Council spokesman, said Monday that Austin is expected to provide more specifics on the American strategy during Tuesday’s meeting. The international community is waiting to see how the United States will respond to the attacks, as the situation has already rocked global trade.