Arab News Japan

TOKYO: In response to joint strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Monday, Japan reiterated its condemnation of the “continued interference” by the Houthis in the rights and freedoms of navigation in the waters around the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the Red Sea.

Japan “supports the determination of the United States and relevant countries to fulfill their responsibility in ensuring the free and safe navigation of vessels,” a statement by the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo said.

The statement justified the military action “because it was taken as a measure aimed at preventing further deterioration of the situation at the lower end of the Red Sea.”

The statement concluded: “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 United States.”

Japan has condemned the hijacking of a Japanese-operated cargo ship in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Japanese government said the Galaxy Leader was operated by Nippon Yusen.