Karachi: United States has said it is willing to cooperate with Pakistan to address attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels and is also in contact with Pakistani officials to ensure secure transportation of ships in Red Sea.

Margaret MacLeod, Urdu language spokesperson for US State Department hoped that Pakistan Navy, as member of Combined Maritime Force, would take steps to secure movement of ships in Red Sea. She said commercial activities of all countries in region are being affected by Houthi rebels’ attacks. She emphasised need for support for “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” established under Combined Maritime Force (CMF) to respond to Houthi-led attacks on shipping in Red Sea.

MacLeod mentioned that US and its allies are aware of hardships faced by Yemeni people. She clarified that strategy of new task force against Houthi rebels is not aggressive but rather “Defensive response” to attacks on Houthi positions.

Responding to questions about non-involvement of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates in “Operation Prosperity Guardian” against Houthis, Margaret MacLeod said that she is not spokesperson for Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. She said these countries are free to make their own decisions and United States encourages all countries in region to join task force against Houthi rebels.

Discussing plans to address food shortage issue in Israel, Margaret MacLeod said US aims to protect all its allies in region. Attacks by Houthi rebels are affecting entire region, making it difficult to deliver food items to countries including Israel, she said.

In response to question on weapons supply to Houthis, she said Iran was supporting Houthi rebels and providing them with weapons. She claimed that Iran also provides “Effective intelligence” to target ships. She asked Iranian government to cease destabilising actions in Middle East and change its attitude immediately. She said common Iranian people are also affected by policies of Iranian government.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 29 2024

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