Pentagon launches operation to protect ‘prosperity’ — RT World News
The US-led coalition has come together to respond to Houthi rebel attacks that have disrupted shipping traffic through the Red Sea
The Pentagon has turned to the United Kingdom, France and other allies to help secure the movement of shipping through the Red Sea after a series of missile and drone attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, pushing major carriers and oil major BP off the key sea route.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Announce The coalition initiative on Monday, saying Operation Prosperity Guardian will work to ensure freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. “This is an international challenge that requires collective action.” He said in a statement, adding that the group will be strengthened “Regional security and prosperity.”
Other members of the coalition include Canada, Norway, Bahrain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Seychelles. The group emerges from the Combined Maritime Forces, a partnership of 39 countries that cooperate to secure maritime traffic through major international shipping lanes. About one-sixth of the world's commercial shipping traffic usually passes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Dozens of ships were rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, on the tip of South Africa, in recent weeks amid Houthi attacks, which came in response to the war between Israel and Hamas. At least five major shipping companies, including Maersk, CMA CGN and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), have moved away from the region. MSC announced its decision on Saturday, a day after one of its container ships was attacked in the Red Sea.
Disturbances added days or weeks to transit times. MSC said its suspension of Red Sea routes will continue until the passage is safe again. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the missile destroyer USS Carney thwarted an attack on Saturday morning, shooting down 14 Houthi drones in the Red Sea.
British oil giant BP announced on Monday that it would temporarily stop sending tankers through the Red Sea due to the risks posed by the attacks. He added: “We will keep this precautionary pause under constant review, taking into account the conditions developing in the region.” The company said. Brent crude prices, a leading global crude index, rose nearly 3% on the news.
The Houthis defended their strikes as justified retaliation “Persecution of the Palestinian people” They have pledged to do so “Traffic ban.” For any vessel bound for or otherwise connected with Israel, saying Such ships are considered legitimate targets as long as West Jerusalem carries them out “Heinous crimes… against our brothers in Gaza and the West Bank.”
The US, UK and France have already worked together to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones in the region. Iran warned the United States against trying to flex its muscles in the region and threatened to do so “Unusual problems.” Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani told reporters: “No one can move in an area we control.”
The Yemeni military spokesman added, “If the United States succeeds in creating an international coalition, it will be the dirtiest coalition in history. The world has not forgotten the shame of remaining silent about previous genocides.
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