USA negotiates maritime task force in the Red Sea
Ships that want to pass through the Suez Canal have to sail through the Red Sea past Yemen. However, this is becoming increasingly dangerous. The Houthi rebels supported by Tehran are targeting merchant ships that they suspect are linked to Israel. The USA and its partners are considering a permanent military presence in the region.
In view of increasing attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the USA is considering increased cooperation with partners in the region. "We are currently in talks with other countries about some kind of maritime task force that would include ships from partner countries in addition to the United States to ensure the safe passage of ships in the Red Sea," said US President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. The talks are still ongoing and there is nothing concrete to announce yet.
Sullivan referred to other transnational maritime units in waters such as the Gulf of Oman or off the coast of Somalia with regard to piracy. In recent days, the Iranian-backed Huthi rebels have intensified their attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. One of the world's most important shipping routes to and from the Suez Canal in Egypt runs past the Yemeni coast. This canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea and thus offers the shortest sea route from Asia to Europe. Around ten percent of all global trade passes through the Red Sea.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen had threatened to attack "all ships" with a connection to Israel. This is the Shiite militia's response to Israel's war against the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip. All ships flying the Israeli flag, owned by Israeli companies or operated by Israeli companies are a target.
At the weekend, the Pentagon reported that several merchant ships in the Red Sea had been attacked with drones and missiles. The US destroyer "USS Carney" had come to their aid and shot at several drones. It was unclear whether it was also attacked itself. The Houthis themselves claimed responsibility for attacks on two ships and once again threatened further attacks on Israeli freighters.
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The attack on several merchant ships in the Red Sea, allegedly carried out by the Houthi rebels, has prompted the USA to strengthen its naval presence in the region. Given the Houthi rebels' stated intention to target ships with any connection to Israel, the safe passage of Israeli-affiliated vessels becomes a major concern. As a result, the USA is exploring the possibility of establishing a multinational maritime task force in the Red Sea, involving partners from around the world.
Source: www.ntv.de
