Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan said it will cooperate with its allies, the US and UK, after they conducted military strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, expressing its support of the bombings.

The US and the UK conducted joint strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Friday.  

“Japan condemns the continued interference by the Houthis with the rights and freedoms of navigation in the waters around the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the Red Sea,” a statement by Japan’s Foreign Ministry said.

“Furthermore, Japan supports the determination of the United States and relevant countries to fulfill its responsibility in ensuring the free and safe navigation of vessels. To this end, we understand that this action was a measure aimed at preventing the further deterioration of the situation,” it stated.

The statement added that Japan will “fulfill its responsibility” to secure the rights and freedoms of navigation and take necessary measures while continuing to closely cooperate with relevant countries, including the US.

Japan is forbidden by its own constitution from taking offensive military action but cooperates in other ways with its military allies.