British Defense Minister Grant Shapps said that the Red Sea cannot be allowed to become a forbidden zone, pointing out that his country is committed to repelling attacks there to protect global trade.

Shapps said in an interview with "The Times": "We have witnessed the disturbances caused by terrorist attacks that led major companies, including 'Maersk' and 'British Petroleum', to avoid the area. We cannot allow any maritime area to become a forbidden zone, especially this vital route."

He also added: "We need to strengthen a safer world. Illegal attacks pose a direct threat to international trade and maritime security."

He continued: "The world order based on law means that we must remain committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade, and I am determined for the United Kingdom to remain a key player in that."

Meanwhile, the British Royal Navy ship "HMS Diamond" has joined the multinational force "Operation Prosperity Guardian", which US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on December 19 as being formed to protect navigation in the Red Sea amid increasing attacks by the Houthis on commercial ships heading to Israeli ports.

The force includes 10 countries: the United States, Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain.