Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue their “reckless” attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, according to the top commander of US naval forces in the Middle East. Despite the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway, the attacks persist. Operation Prosperity Guardian, which was announced just over 10 days ago, has seen 1,200 merchant ships travel through the Red Sea region without any drone or missile strikes. Additional countries, including Denmark, are expected to join the mission.
The Houthi rebels claim that their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships in an effort to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, is a crucial trade route linking markets in Asia and Europe. The severity of the attacks has led shipping companies to order their vessels to hold in place and avoid entering the strait until the security situation improves. Some major shippers have even rerouted their ships around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, adding time and costs to their journeys.
Currently, there are five warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden. Since the operation started, these ships have successfully shot down 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles. Just two days ago, the USS Mason, a Navy destroyer, intercepted a drone and anti-ship ballistic missile fired by the Houthis without causing any damage or injuries.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, who heads the 5th Fleet, expects more countries to join the mission in the coming weeks. While more than 20 nations are said to be participating, some have not publicly acknowledged their involvement. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently discussed the ongoing Houthi attacks with Netherlands’ defense minister, condemning them as unacceptable and “profoundly destabilizing” to international order and global commerce. Austin emphasized the need for collective action to address this significant international problem.
The coalition is in direct communication with commercial ships, providing guidance on maneuvering and best practices to avoid being attacked. They are also working closely with the shipping industry to coordinate security efforts. Operation Prosperity Guardian has a larger presence and more ships compared to the international task force established in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the region.
Despite these efforts, the Houthi rebels have increased their use of anti-ship ballistic missiles. Vice Adm. Cooper acknowledges that the attacks are likely to continue. The Houthi rebels seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and have been engaged in a war against a Saudi-led coalition seeking to restore the government. While sporadic attacks on ships in the region have occurred, they have intensified since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The Houthi rebels now threaten to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel, expanding their targets to include container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries such as Norway and Liberia.
Despite the challenges posed by the attacks, commerce is still flowing through the Red Sea region. Shipping companies like Maersk have resumed sending ships through the strait after rerouting them for several days. Operation Prosperity Guardian has provided a level of security that allows for the safe passage of commercial vessels.
In conclusion, Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, despite international efforts to protect vessels in the region. Operation Prosperity Guardian has seen success in preventing drone and missile strikes, with more countries expected to join the mission. The Houthi rebels’ attacks pose a significant threat to international order and global commerce, but collective action and coordination between naval forces and shipping companies are helping to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Red Sea.