Following the increasing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, the United States and its allies declared the establishment of a multinational task force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at preventing further assaults. As part of this task force, a multitude of nations will collaborate, including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. Additionally, the task force will build upon the pre-existing regional task force responsible for ensuring maritime security.
Throughout recent weeks, Houthi rebels have launched barrages of missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping. As confirmed by Reuters, at least 10 shipping companies suspended transits through the Red Sea because of the danger posed by the Houthis. The Pentagon confirmed that the recent hostility endangers innocent mariners, threatens the free flow of commerce and also violates international law.
“The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade. Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations lawfully transiting international waters,” stated Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The multinational task force named Operation Prosperity Guardian aims to confront these challenges and assure safe commerce passage through the Red Sea. Some members of this task force will conduct joint patrols all over the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, whilst others will provide intelligence support.
This international challenge calls for collective action to secure the freedom of navigation principle, mentioned Austin. The goal is to block non-state actors such as the Houthi rebels from becoming an obstacle to international trade and freedom of navigation, added Austin in his statement.
The task force’s establishment aims to reinforce tasks previously undertaken by regional partners to ensure maritime security and prevent any further hostile attacks. The Operation Prosperity Guardian task force will endeavor to maintain freedom of movement along one of the world’s most strategic sea routes.