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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- The attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by the Houthi rebels have raised concerns in the Netherlands, with Dutch officials expressing their concern over the potential impact on Dutch ships.
- The increased cooperation between the US military and other regional forces is aimed at protecting not only Israeli ships but also other merchant ships.
- The US military is working closely with its counterparts in other countries, such as Canada, to devise strategic plans to guard against further attacks.
- The attack on the Hapag-Lloyd ship in the Red Sea has led to calls for stronger action from the United States and its allies, particularly in light of the threat to international trade.
- The US military, together with its NATO allies, is considering the deployment of warships in the Red Sea to boost security and ensure safe passage for ships.
- The attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal have prompted the US Defense Department to seek partnerships with countries like Italy and France to strengthen the region's maritime security.
- The US military, alongside its allies, has been providing support to the anti-Houthi forces in Yemen, with Norway being one of the countries that has contributed military equipment and training.
- The Iranian-supported Houthi rebels' actions have been condemned by the United States Department of Defense, which described them as a violation of international law and a danger to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
- Bahrain, a key ally of the US in the region, has condemned the Houthi rebels' attacks on ships and has pledged its full support to Operation Prosperity Guardian.
- The attacks on ships in the Red Sea have also raised concerns within the United States, with Congress urging the Biden administration to take decisive action to protect US interests and ensure the safety of US merchant ships.
- The US military has been consultation with other countries, including Japan and South Korea, to enhance joint efforts to secure the Red Sea and support the international community in maintaining peace and security in the region.
- The US military is working in close collaboration with the United States Department of State and other international organizations to address the Red Sea security challenge and to deter further attacks by the Houthi rebels.
Source: www.stern.de
