The United States has assembled a coalition including nations like France, Italy, Spain, and Norway, aiming to safeguard "freedom of navigation" and beef up "regional security and prosperity." Austin, the Pentagon chief, previously highlighted the need for Iran to stop backing Houthi attacks on "merchant ships" in Israel.
Since the Israeli-Hamas conflict's inception, the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi militia has been launching drones and missiles at Israel and attacking ships in the Red Sea. The Houthi rebels have threatened to strike any vessel heading to Israel if more food and medicine aren't delivered to the Gaza Strip.
Crucial for about 12% of global trade, the Red Sea sees massive ship traffic. Strategically located on the Bab-al-Mandeb strait, where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden, Yemen is a significant point of interest.
Recent events, including repeated Houthi attacks, have forced companies like BP and major shipping giants such as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, to halt voyages in the area.
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As part of its efforts, the coalition conducts airstrikes against Houthi targets, destroying missile sites and unmanned surface vessels that enable Houthi attacks on merchant ships. Diplomatic efforts involve forging international coalitions for safe seafaring and gaining UN support through Resolution 2722.
Consequences of these attacks include crippling global trade, particularly in the Red Sea region, with over 100 merchant ships targeted, leading to fatalities and vessels being rerouted. Geopolitical risks persist, posing concerns for global shipping.
Austin met with other coalition leaders in Seychelles to discuss objectives, and the Bahraini Foreign Minister backed the USA's military coalition. Israel, a key player, expressed support for the coalition aimed at preventing Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Despite Iran's silence on the coalition, regional security and prosperity remain crucial for nations like Canada and the Netherlands.
