Canada reports on military operation in Yemen
Ministers commented on the involvement of the Canadian Armed Forces in the Red Sea conflict.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Defense Minister Bill Blair released a joint statement on January 12. They explained Canada's official position on the military operation in the Middle East and commented on the participation of Canadian military personnel.
What happened?
On January 11, the Canadian military, under the authority of United States Central Command, participated in coordinated strikes by forces from several countries against selected areas in Yemen controlled by the Houthis. Together with Canadian and U.S. forces, the military forces of the United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain and the Netherlands participated in the operation.
Joly and Blair emphasized that such pinpoint attacks are consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and reaffirm the world community's desire to ensure the safety of free navigation and global commerce in the waters of the Red Sea.
Why did Canada join the operation?
Separately, Ministers noted that prior to its direct involvement in the conflict in the Middle East, Canada officially issued a warning to Yemen, from whose territory civilian Israeli vessels were attacked. Despite statements from Canada and other countries, the Houthis have continued attacks in the Red Sea, including shelling U.S. Navy ships.
Eventually, on January 10, 2024, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding that the Houthis cease attacks on merchant and commercial ships. After the Houthis ignored the resolution, Canada joined the operation:
"Canada condemns the reckless Houthi attacks against commercial ships and crew operating in the Red Sea. They directly impact the flow of food, fuel, humanitarian assistance and other essential commodities to populations around the world, which can affect the global economy."
The Canadian authorities have also made it clear that they intend to defend the safety of civilians, including by military means.
"The Houthis’ more than two dozen attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November constitute an international challenge. Today’s action demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks."
Should the attacks continue, Canada has expressed its willingness to continue military cooperation with allies.
