OPERATION PROSPERITY GUARDIAN: MULTIPLE NATIONS RISE TO FIGHT HOUTHIS
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has had many expected consequences, including the increase of attacks on American forces in the Middle East. A particularly persistent threat continues due to the Houthi group, which is turning the Red Sea into a warzone of its own. There are already pirates and attacks from Houthis that were of concern but the increase towards the end of 2023 is calling for increased security and direct action. As a result, Operation Prosperity Guardian is forming to help civilian ships stay safe in one of the most important waterways for the world economy you’ll find anywhere on Earth. Suggested read: Robert O’Neill Controversies Mar Brewery Approval in Norfolk
Operation Prosperity Guardian Pulls U.S. Right Back Into the Middle East
The idea of a new coalition to protect the Red Sea came to be on December 18, 2023, after United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin formally announced Operation Prosperity Guardian. This initiative has received support from numerous nations since. There are at least 20 nations involved in fighting Houthi rebels through Operation Prosperity Guardian. However, notable absents include Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These two nations both rely on commercial shipping in the region. Stemming from an increase in regional conflict that was a result of the Israeli-Hama war, the coalition is aiming to make the Red Sea a safe place for maritime travel. There have been 100 or more attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The group is fond of ballistic missiles and drone attacks. Now, Operation Prosperity Guardian is working to help mitigate and prevent the attacks. Related read: USS Carney Forced to Defend Against Drones From Houthi Rebels
Breaking Down the Red Sea Coalition to Fight Houthi Rebels
As nations are coming together, it’s important to note that this is not the only example of such security measures. Operations Prosperity Guardian will fall under structures already in place. Specifically, the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and its Task Force 153. There are 39 nations that comprise the CMF, which operates in the Red Sea, but also other regional waterways, including the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf. The United Kingdom is going to provide naval support in the region, including its destroyer, the HMS Diamond. Already in the area and defending against Houthi drones, additional British forces are also operating nearby. From Italy, its frigate, the Virginio Fasan (F 591) is also going to help defend the Red Sea from attacks. This comes as support from France’s frigate, the Languedoc, was responsible for shooting down multiple Houthi drones. There is support coming from personnel out of Norway and The Netherlands.
Operation Prosperity Guardian Has a Big Job on Its Hands
The Red Sea accounts frown about 12% of global trade and nearly a third of the world’s shipping containers. A disruption in the region isn’t just a minor setback but has a butterfly effect throughout the world economy. This is especially true for those in Europe and Asia. But make no mistake about it, globalization is how we all make our economies work. Any such disruption would also affect the United States. The safety of citizens and the immense potential impact on commerce is exactly why so many nations are coming together to protect the waterway. Billions of dollars were lost each day that the Suez Canal was blocked. Terrorizing this area of commerce is an attempt by the Houthi movement to divert attention from Western allies of Israel. It also sends a message that affects the pocketbooks of governments and countries. Houthis in Yemen, or Ansar Allah, are a bit morbidly ironic to use a body of water spoken about at least with some importance within Abrahamic religions as a place of war. While anyone should be free to worship and believe as they please, freedom ends when extremism warps religion into an opportunity to harm others. Operation Prosperity Guardian is here to ensure that the Red Sea remains a safe place for world commerce to continue. Read next: The Anti-ship Missile Could Define Warfare in the Pacific
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