 and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure, end quote. This comes as the Houthis have continued to attack ships in the Red Sea in what they say is a retaliation for the war in Gaza. Inez de la Quintera, ABC News, at the Foreign Desk. Treasury departments sanctioned four Mexican companies and three individuals allegedly linked to timeshare fraud led by a notorious drug cartel.