Title: Red Sea Security: USA Consults Partners Over Maritime Task Force Amid Houthi Attacks
In the wake of escalating hostilities in the Red Sea, the United States is considering strengthening its partnerships in the region. The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have been targeting ships suspected to have links with Israel, posing a threat to global commerce. "We are currently engaging with other countries about establishing a maritime task force involving partner nations, including the US, to ensure safe passage through the Red Sea," states U.S. President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan.
The Red Sea acts as a critical shipping route for numerous nations, with approximately ten percent of global trade transiting through it. The Houthi rebels have previously vowed to attack all ships connected to Israel, following Israel's confrontations with Islamist Hamas in Gaza.
Recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, reportedly by the Houthi rebels, have resulted in a flurry of international responses. Iranian-backed Houthi militants have reportedly attacked several ships with drones and missiles. The US Navy's USS Carney came to aid, engaging drones in self-defense. The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for these attacks and have threatened further attacks on Israeli freighters.
The United States isWalking a fine line between maintaining regional security and avoiding escalation of tensions. The potential establishment of a multinational maritime task force in the Red Sea could offer a viable solution, ensuring the safe passage of vessels, particularly those with Israeli connections.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the specifics of this potential task force, such as its composition, mandate, and jurisdiction, remain unknown.
While the Red Sea and its adjacent waters are a significant trade artery, it is not without its challenges. Piracy and armed threats have lingered for years, and the area remains volatile. The Houthi rebels, in their escalating conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government, have unintentionally contributed to a complex security situation in the region.
Further Reading
The proposed new task force, if materializes, could serve as a potential game-changer. The US Navy's Operation Prosperity Guardian, launched in December 2023, has already demonstrated the significance of a multinational presence in the region. This operation, involving over 20 nations, aims to protect freedom of navigation, safeguard maritime traffic in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden, and deter irregular activities in the region (1).
Over the past few months, the Houthi rebels have launched attacks on more than 60 vessels, targeting both Israeli-linked and non-Israeli ships. The Houthi threat has resulted in substantial rerouting of commercial traffic, resulting in major economic losses and global commerce disruptions (2).
The international community has expressly condemned these attacks and adopted Resolution 2722, urging an immediate cessation of these attacks. The US and UK, in turn, have led coalition air and missile strikes against Houthi targets, while other countries are independently patrolling the region (3).
The Houthi rebels have continued their aggression despite these efforts, and the situation remains volatile. Organizations like the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) have urged the Houthi rebels to halt all attacks and release all held seafarers (4).
In this context, the proposed multinational task force could offer a much-needed solution to ensure safe passage and maintain the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Its exact composition and scope remain to be seen, but it highlights the urgent need to address and mitigate the increasing risks in the Red Sea and the wider region.
References:
- Navy.mil, Operation Prosperity Guardian,
- GPW, Houthi rebels warn of attack on 'all ships' linked to Israel,
- UNODA, Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continue, [https://undocs.org/SC/14598?OpenElement]
- ITF, ITF urges Yemeni militia to release crew and halt attacks on merchant ships, [https://www.itfglobal.org/itf-urges-yemeni-militia-to-release-crew-and-halt-attacks-on-merchant-ships/]
