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Japan said it was “directly approaching” Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels after they seized a ship owned by an Israeli businessman and operated by a Japanese firm with around 25 crew on board, AFP reports.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said Tokyo was “communicating with Israel, and in addition to directly approaching the Huthis, we are also urging Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran and other countries concerned to strongly urge the Houthis for the early release of the vessel and crew members”.
“Our government will continue to take necessary measures in cooperation with the countries concerned while taking into account the situation,” she added.
