Yemeni coastguard members loyal to the internationally-recognized government ride in a speedboat cruising in the Red Sea off of the government-held town of Mokha in the western Taiz province, close to the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, on Dec 12, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

ADEN, Yemen - The Yemeni government on Wednesday denied the joining of a newly proposed international maritime coalition led by the United States to protect shipping lines from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

According to a report by the state-run Saba news agency, an unidentified government official refuted "the widespread rumors circulating the media about Yemen's engagement," noting decision about Yemeni joining such coalitions would be made by the highest authorities in the country, particularly the Presidential Leadership Council.

Meanwhile, the official stressed the importance of supporting the Yemeni government to protect its territorial waters and mitigate threats from the Houthi group, according to the report.

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The situation in the Red Sea intensified on Tuesday when the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting a Norwegian oil tanker en route to Israel with a missile, as part of their previously issued warning against aiding Israel.

The Houthis, who have been controlling a major part of northern Yemen and its western coastline along the Red Sea for years, have announced that any vessels aiding Israel, which is waging an attack on Gaza, will be treated as legitimate targets.

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Earlier in December, the rebel group took credit for attacks on two vessels purportedly associated with Israel in the Bab Al-Mandab region. Also, the Houthis have been detaining a ship with a crew of 52 since Nov 19, further exacerbating regional maritime security.