US and Allied Forces Strategize Response to Houthi Strikes on Red Sea Vessels

A coalition led by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announces Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational initiative to counter Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. With global trade at stake, countries join forces to restore security, urging collective action to safeguard maritime routes and ensure the free flow of commerce.

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In response to escalating Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, led by Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, the United States, along with allies including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, is spearheading Operation Prosperity Guardian. This international mission aims to protect critical shipping routes and prevent further disruptions to global trade.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, after a virtual ministerial meeting with representatives from 43 countries, emphasized the need for collective action to address the destabilizing impact of Houthi attacks on maritime security. He highlighted the attacks' adverse effects on the global economy, urging the international community to join hands in tackling this pressing issue.

The Pentagon reports that the Houthis have conducted over 100 drone and missile attacks, affecting 12 merchant vessels from more than 35 nations. As a result, 10-15% of global trade is being rerouted, causing delays in the delivery of essential goods. Operation Prosperity Guardian seeks to restore security in the Red Sea, discouraging further Houthi aggression.

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Under the mission, military ships from participating nations will provide umbrella protection to commercial vessels, ensuring safe passage through the Red Sea. The UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain have committed to the initiative, conducting joint patrols and providing intelligence support. Notably absent from negotiations is China, with no response from its warships in the region.

Coordinated by Combined Task Force 153, established in April 2022, the mission aims to deploy assets to protect shipping lanes actively. Two US warships, the USS Carney and USS Mason, are positioned in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to deter and respond to Houthi attacks. The Houthis' attacks are part of a broader campaign linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, targeting vessels and escalating tensions in the region. The international coalition's efforts are crucial in securing vital maritime routes and maintaining global economic stability.