Conflicts - Attacks in the Red Sea: USA establishes security initiative
In view of an increasing number of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, the US military is stepping up its cooperation with the armed forces of other countries in the region. According to the US Department of Defense in Washington, several countries are participating in the new security initiative called "Operation Prosperity Guardian", including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles and Spain. The increased cooperation between the naval forces is intended to improve the protection of merchant ships.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attacking Israel with drones and missiles and attacking ships in the Red Sea to prevent them from sailing towards Israel. They are threatening to prevent ships of any nationality on their way to Israel from passing through the Red Sea. 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. Major shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who is currently in the region, stated that this is an international challenge that requires joint action. All countries that want to maintain freedom of navigation must join forces. The "recent escalation of ruthless Houthi attacks" threatened free trade, the safety of seafarers and violated international law. The Red Sea is of crucial importance 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 and thus offers the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe. The alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa adds a few days to transportation times.
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Source: www.stern.de
