Japan, the United States, the European Union and their partners on Tuesday issued a statement accusing Yemen's pro-Iranian Houthi rebels of repeatedly attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea.
With Iran in mind, they urged all countries not to support the Houthi armed group, saying it is threatening the global flow of food, fuel and other vital commodities as well as maritime security in the waters around the Arabian Peninsula.
The joint statement also called for the immediate release of crew members of a cargo ship operated by Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen K.K., better known as NYK Line, which was seized by the group in November.
"There is no justification for these attacks, which affect many countries beyond the flags these ships sail under," it said. "We again call on the Houthis to release the Galaxy Leader crew and ship immediately and to cease additional attacks on commercial vessels in the region's vital waterways."
The partners which signed the statement included NATO, Australia, Singapore and South Korea. It was also joined by Yemen.
The attacks have disrupted international trade, with many shipping companies pausing transits through the Red Sea.
On Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of a multinational force to protect vessels traveling through the sea.
"This is an international challenge that demands collective action," Austin said.
Countries including Britain, Canada, France and Spain are part of the U.S.-led initiative. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force is not participating in it.
