Risk of Conflict Escalation in Yemen and Impact on Singapore's Participation in Defensive Coalition in Red Sea
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the risk of conflict escalation from US strikes on Houthi sites and its impact on Singapore’s participation in the Red Sea defensive coalition. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired whether Singapore's role would be limited to protecting shipping through maritime patrols and information sharing amidst these rising tensions. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen stated that Singapore participates in multinational operations to keep sea lines of communication open, consistent with international law. He clarified that the Singapore Armed Forces was not involved in the separate US and UK strikes, which are distinct from the defensive Operation Prosperity Guardian. The Minister concluded by urging the Houthis to cease unlawful attacks to avoid escalation and protect the free flow of global trade.
Transcript
6 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Defence (a) what is the risk of conflict escalation from the recent US strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen; (b) how will this impact Singapore's further participation in the defensive coalition under Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea; and (c) whether Singapore's role will be limited to contributing personnel to protect shipping vessels through maritime patrols and information sharing.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participates in multinational operations, which are consistent with international law and when aligned with our national interests.
The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2722 – that was adopted on 10 January 2024 – demanded that the Houthis in Yemen immediately cease all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels, which impede global commerce, undermine navigational rights and freedoms as well as threaten regional peace and security.
Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) is a multinational coalition to protect shipping vessels in the Red Sea against security threats. It is in Singapore's interest to be part of such international efforts to ensure that key Sea Lines of Communication, like the Red Sea, remain open and safe for the free flow of trade.
Recently, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) have launched several strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen – under a separate operation the US Central Command has called Operation Poseidon Archer. The Combined Task Force 153 and OPG are not linked to the US and UK strikes. Similarly, the SAF was not involved in the US and UK strikes.
We urge the Houthis to stop their unlawful attacks in the Red Sea as demanded in UNSCR 2722 to avoid an escalation of the conflict.