Yemen's Houthi Rebels Continue 'Reckless' Attacks on Red Sea Shipping

Yemen’s Houthi rebels are showing no signs of halting their ongoing attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, according to the top commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East. Despite more nations joining the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the area and an increase in trade traffic, the attacks persist.

Since the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian just over 10 days ago, over 1,200 merchant ships have passed through the Red Sea region without being targeted by drone or missile strikes, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper revealed in an Associated Press interview.

Denmark recently became the latest nation to join the effort, announcing its plan to send a frigate to the mission. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin initiated the mission during his visit to Bahrain, where the Navy’s 5th Fleet is headquartered, stressing the need for collective action in addressing this international challenge.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and ultimately the Suez Canal, serves as a crucial trade route between Asia and Europe.

In response to the gravity of the attacks, multiple shipping companies have ordered their vessels to remain in place and avoid entering the strait until the security situation improves. Some major shippers have opted to redirect their ships around Africa and Cape of Good Hope, resulting in additional time and costs for their journeys.

At present, there are five warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom actively patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and western Gulf of Aden. Vice Adm. Cooper, who oversees the 5th Fleet, shared that since the operation began, these ships have successfully intercepted and destroyed a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles.

Just recently, the USS Mason, a Navy destroyer, intercepted and neutralized a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by the Iranian-backed Houthis, as reported by U.S. Central Command. Despite this being the 22nd attack on international shipping by the Houthis since October 19, no damage to any of the 18 ships in the vicinity or any injuries have been reported.

Operation Prosperity Guardian: Enhancing Maritime Security in Yemen

In recent times, there has been a notable increase in the participation of nations in Operation Prosperity Guardian, with more countries expected to join in the coming weeks. The United States, the driving force behind this coalition, reveals that over 20 nations are involved, although not all have made public acknowledgements of their participation.

As part of this operation, there is direct communication between the coalition and commercial ships. The objective is to ensure the safe navigation of these vessels by providing guidance on maneuvering and best practices to avoid potential attacks. Furthermore, close collaboration with the shipping industry facilitates effective security coordination.

Established in April 2022, an international task force initially aimed to improve maritime security in the region. However, Operation Prosperity Guardian goes beyond that by increasing the number of ships involved and adopting a persistent presence to better assist vessels operating in the area.

Despite the coalition's efforts, the Houthi rebels have intensified their use of anti-ship ballistic missiles. This upsurge in attacks has necessitated a clear acknowledgement that these reckless actions will likely persist.

The conflict originated when the Houthis captured Sanaa, Yemen's capital, in 2014. This marked the beginning of a protracted war against a Saudi-led coalition aiming to reinstate the ousted government.

To date, the Houthis have sporadically targeted ships in the region. However, since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, the frequency of these attacks has amplified. The Houthi faction issued threats to attack vessels perceived as either heading towards or departing from Israel. Disturbingly, this has escalated to a point where seemingly any vessel is at risk, resulting in container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries like Norway and Liberia falling victim to missile fire.

Amidst these developments, leading shipping company Maersk made significant decisions concerning its operations in the area. After being obliged to pause its ships outside the strait and Red Sea, the company opted to reroute its vessels around Africa. Nevertheless, in light of Operation Prosperity Guardian, Maersk later announced its intention to resume sending ships through the strait.

With regard to commerce, Operation Prosperity Guardian is ensuring that it continues smoothly. The coalition's efforts are facilitating the uninterrupted flow of goods and services, preserving vital trade channels.

The combined efforts of participating nations in Operation Prosperity Guardian are vital in ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities in the region. By maintaining a constant presence and providing guidance, this coalition plays an integral role in safeguarding vessels from potential attacks. As the operation expands, more countries are expected to join forces, further enhancing maritime security in Yemen.