emirates7 - The United States has condemned the Houthi militia's hijacking of the UAE-flagged cargo ship off the coast of Hodeidah, which took place on 2nd January.

"The Houthis' flagrant transgression is a threat to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and compromises international trade and regional security," US State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.

Price added, "The Houthis' actions come at a time when all parties must work to deescalate [the situation] and turn to political talks. We urge Houthi forces to immediately release the ship and its crew unharmed and cease all violent acts that impede the political action taken to end the war in Yemen."