Amid a surge of Houthi drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels traversing the Red Sea, the United States and a coalition of nations have launched a new maritime security operation dubbed “Operation Prosperity Guardian.” The announcement, made early Tuesday by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Bahrain, underscores the growing international concern over the escalating threat to vital shipping lanes.
Several recent attacks, some causing vessel damage, prompted major shipping companies to halt navigation through the strategically crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the gateway between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
“This is a global challenge demanding collective action,” emphasized Secretary Austin in a statement released after midnight. “Therefore, I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a critical multinational security initiative.”
Joining the U.S. in this mission are the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. Specific contributions will vary, with some nations conducting joint patrols and others offering intelligence support in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Unnamed countries have also expressed interest in participating discreetly, according to a defense official who provided additional details not yet publicly disclosed.
Operation Prosperity Guardian will be coordinated by the existing Combined Task Force 153, established in 2022 to bolster maritime security in the region. While 39 countries previously participated in CTF 153, officials are currently determining which will contribute to this new operation.
The U.S. has concurrently urged the United Nations Security Council to address the attacks. In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the persistent Houthi threats to “navigational rights and freedoms, international maritime security, and international commerce.” Despite closed-door discussions on Monday, the Council has yet to take action.
Currently, three U.S. warships, the USS Carney and USS Mason, patrol the Bab el-Mandeb Strait daily, deterring and responding to Houthi attacks. This enhanced operation follows a series of attacks on December 3rd, including missiles striking three commercial vessels and armed drones targeting U.S. warships.
Despite escalating Houthi aggression, the U.S. has refrained from counterstrikes against Houthi personnel, weapons, or infrastructure. Secretary Austin declined to answer a question regarding the lack of retaliation on Monday.
As international cooperation gathers momentum in the face of Houthi threats, Operation Prosperity Guardian represents a crucial step towards securing safe passage for vital shipping in the Red Sea and beyond.
