In response to rocket attacks by Houthi rebels on freighters in the Red Sea, international shipping companies have begun avoiding the Suez Canal. Amidst this chaos, the United States is building an international coalition for joint patrols. The strength of this ten-nation alliance remains uncertain.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a significant multinational security initiative during a trip to Bahrain. The alliance includes the UK, Bahrain, France, Italy, Canada, The Netherlands, Norway, The Seychelles, and Spain. Joint patrols are planned for the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The primary danger stems from Yemen's Houthi rebels, allies with Hamas. The Houthis haven't issued a statement yet. They've warned international shipping companies about attacks on ships heading to Israel and advised against using Israeli ports. Earlier, a Houthi politburo member, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, threatened to oppose any US-led coalition entering the Red Sea, confirming the group's capability. They claimed responsibility for drone attacks on other ships in the Red Sea.
Major shipping companies are avoiding the Suez Canal due to tensions, making container shipments difficult. MSC, A.P. Moller-Maersk, CMA CGM, and Evergreen have halted operations. Germany's Hapag-Lloyd also stopped sailing through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.
It's uncertain if the coalition countries, like the US, will emulate their recent military actions, including deflecting missiles and drones, and aiding assaulted freighters. The Houthis vow to continue their attacks till the Israeli Gaza Strip offensive concludes. In recent weeks, they've targeted Israel with drones and missiles.
The Houthi rebels, with their threat to ships headed to Israel, have prompted a warning to global shipping companies. Moeller-Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and other major shipping lines have temporarily halted operations through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea due to the intense hostilities. The US defensive pact for the Red Sea could be at risk due to these threats, which became clear after the previous rocket attacks on freighters.
Source: ntv.de
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