In the Red Sea, the United States is preparing to initiate Operation Prosperity Guardian, an enlarged maritime protection force designed to counter the rising instances of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping.
The move comes in response to attacks from Yemen’s ports, targeting ships amid heightened tensions related to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
US Defense Secretary Unveils Bold Initiative
The initiative, to be officially announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his Middle East visit, involves an expanded maritime protection force that includes participation from Arab states.
Much like the existing Task Force 153 operating out of Bahrain, this more significant force seeks to reassure commercial shipping companies operating in the Red Sea that Houthi attacks will be stopped and the waters will remain safe for maritime activities.
Five major shipping companies have already halted their ships’ use of the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks triggered by Israeli efforts against Hamas in Gaza.
The redirection of ships has led to significant economic implications, with more than 55 vessels opting for the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope instead of the traditional Bab al-Mandab Strait, resulting in increased transport costs and longer journey times.
The decisions by shipping giants such as Maersk, OOCL, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Mediterranean Shipping Co collectively pose a considerable challenge to the Egyptian economy, heavily dependent on the revenue generated by the Suez Canal, which brought in $9.5 billion in 2022-23.
While the US initially sought China’s involvement in the expanded maritime protection force, it appears that Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, and Bahrain are likely participants.
The exclusion of China from the coalition underscores the geopolitical complexities surrounding the initiative.
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Tensions in the Red Sea
Houthi attacks, particularly the capture of the Galaxy Leader in November, have escalated tensions in the region.
The US-led Combined Task Force 153, along with the French and British navies, has been actively countering the Houthi-controlled drones and missiles.
Concerns about potential retaliation and the geopolitical implications of US intervention in Gaza have been voiced by various stakeholders, including the Iranian defense minister and the leader of the Houthi movement.
As the US announces Operation Prosperity Guardian to counter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the situation unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions, economic ramifications for the shipping industry, and complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
The success and implications of this initiative remain uncertain, but its announcement marks a significant development in addressing the security challenges in the strategically vital Red Sea region.
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