Canada, along with other allies, supported planned US and British strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen on Thursday, but no Canadian Forces (CAF) resources were deployed.
• Also read: Yemen: Will military strikes end Red Sea attacks?
• Also read: US-British strikes against Houthis in Yemen
This was confirmed to the QMI Global Affairs Canada Agency on Friday.
“CAF members provided planning support as part of Operation (Op) FOUNDATION,” the ministry said.
“Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed to United States Central Command yesterday supported precisely targeted attacks by United States and United Kingdom forces, as well as Australia, Bahrain and Bas against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen,” stated together with Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Defense Minister Bill Blair.
Op FOUNDATION is part of CAF's missions for stability and security in the Middle East. In this context, the FAC integrates personnel into the American headquarters, with approximately 20 military personnel deployed in the areas of intelligence, planning and general staff.
“These precision strikes are consistent with the United Nations Charter and demonstrate the international community’s commitment to defending freedom of navigation and international trade in the Red Sea,” the ministers added.
- Listen to the interview Sami Aoun, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Observatory at the Raoul Dandurand Chair, talks about QUB with Yasmine Abdelfadel:
Mission of Canada
A Canadian brigadier general is currently director of the Multinational Aerospace Operations Center at U.S. Air Force Central Command in Qatar.
This position is alternately occupied by Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
“The CAF is also deploying three staff officers to support Operation PROSPERITY GUARDIAN. “As part of this operation, international naval forces will conduct patrols in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to provide security for the maritime industry, deter illegal activities and deter any threats to maritime security and international freedoms,” said Global Affairs Canada.
These three officers, two planners and a specialized intelligence analyst aim to support Allied efforts to “protect the free flow of trade and safety of navigation in the Red Sea and the western region of the Gulf of Aden,” the ministry recalled.
Since the Oct. 7 war began between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Iran-aligned Houthis have increased their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and claim to have targeted boats affiliated with the Hebrew State in solidarity with the Palestinians, reported the Journal de Montréal on Thursday.
“Canada condemns the Houthis' reckless attacks on merchant vessels and their crews operating in the Red Sea,” it said Friday.
“We call on the Houthis to immediately stop their attacks and reiterate that they must face the consequences of their actions. We remain committed to working with our partners in the Middle East to contribute to the establishment of lasting peace and security in the region,” the ministers affirmed.