New Operation

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has unveiled the initiation of a new collaborative maritime initiative named "Operation Prosperity Guardian." This comprehensive effort involves the cooperation of ten nations, including the United States, namely the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. The primary objective of Operation Prosperity Guardian is to address security and safety concerns in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, prompted by increasing threats posed by the Houthis, an armed organization originating from Yemen.

Secretary Austin highlighted the urgency of the operation, stating, "The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and 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." He underscored the fact that the Houthis, classified as a "non-state actor," have been launching ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from various nations lawfully transiting international waters.