The United States has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational security initiative, in response to the maritime threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
Announcing the initiative, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the need for collective action to address the international challenge emanating from Houthi-controlled Yemen.
Operation Prosperity Guardian involves a coalition comprising the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. Notably, Bahrain is the only Arab country publicly participating in the initiative, although additional anonymous contributors have joined the effort, according to a U.S. defense official. The mission encompasses joint patrols and intelligence support in critical maritime regions, specifically the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The move comes in response to a surge in daily drone and ballistic missile attacks from Houthi-controlled Yemen, prompting major shipping companies to suspend operations through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthi rebels have not only targeted commercial vessels but have also attempted attacks on Israeli territory, aligning themselves with Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The international mission aims to safeguard navigational rights, international maritime security, and international commerce.
To further strengthen the coalition’s efforts, the United States is urging the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action against Houthi attacks. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has highlighted the Houthis’ threat to navigational freedoms and international maritime security in a letter to Security Council members.