The United States has formed a military coalition to protect shipping in the region amid attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea. Ten states are members of the “multinational security initiative”.
Amid an increasing number of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US military is increasing its cooperation with other countries’ militaries in the region.
According to the US Department of Defense, several countries are taking part in the new security initiative called “Operation Prosperity Guardian”, including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway Seychelles and Spain.
Greater cooperation between naval forces is intended to improve the protection of merchant ships.
Attacks again
Meanwhile, according to the US military, there were renewed attacks by Houthi rebels on two ships in the southern Red Sea. The tanker “Swan Atlantic”, flying the flag of the Cayman Islands, was attacked on Monday by a drone and a missile that was fired from an area controlled by the Houthis in Yemen, the regional command of the US military Centcom announced on the platform X known.
At around the same time, the freighter “M/V Clara” reported an explosion in the water near it. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attacking Israel with drones and missiles since the Gaza war broke out and attacking ships in the Red Sea to prevent them from passing through to Israel. They threaten to prevent ships of any nationality from passing through the Red Sea on their way to Israel. Only freighters delivering aid to the Gaza Strip would be granted passage.
Several ships have been attacked since then, most recently a container freighter belonging to the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd. Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Important route for world trade
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is currently in the region, said it was an international challenge that required joint action. All countries that wanted to maintain free shipping would have to come together. The “recent escalation of ruthless Houthi attacks” threatens free trade, the safety of seafarers and violates international law. Austin also warned: “Iran’s support of Houthi attacks on merchant ships must stop.”
The Red Sea is crucial for international trade. Around ten percent of all world trade passes through the Red Sea. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, providing the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe. The alternative route around the South African Cape of Good Hope extends the transport by a few days.