US Task Force For Rad Sea: The United States has announced the formation of an international task force to safeguard ships in the Red Sea against Houthi attacks.
“This is an international challenge,” stated Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The Pentagon announced the formation of a multinational naval task force on Monday to safeguard commercial ships against Houthi missile and drone strikes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have risen in the aftermath of Israel’s battle with Hamas.
According to authorities, the task force will be named “Operation Prosperity Guardian” and will expand on an existing counterpiracy effort in the region known as Task Force 153.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain will all contribute ships and other resources to the new initiative.
“This is an international challenge that demands collective action,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement announcing the new mission.
In retaliation to Israel’s military assault against Hamas in Gaza following Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack, Houthi rebels in Yemen are reported to have carried out almost a dozen attacks against commercial vessels, including firms the Houthis allege are tied to Israel, in recent weeks.
The strikes have raised fears that the conflict would escalate into a larger battle in the Middle East, and US officials have stated that the Houthis threaten a crucial maritime corridor.
Several multinational shipping firms have stated that their ships have been advised not to approach the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as a precaution.
“Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together,” Austin stated in part on Monday.
The United States recently slapped fresh penalties on those who financially assist the Houthis, with the White House blaming Iran for sending vital weaponry to the organization.
During a visit to Israel on Monday, Austin previewed the task force’s formation and reinforced remarks made by top US officials that the rising frequency of Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea was an international issue that demanded an international solution.
“These attacks are reckless, dangerous, and violate international law,” he said at a news conference in Tel Aviv. “We’re taking action to build an international coalition to address this threat.”
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