“The recent escalation of reckless Houthi attacks from Yemen threatens the free movement of commerce, endangers innocent seafarers and violates international law.” The Red Sea is a vital waterway critical to freedom of navigation and an important trade corridor, which facilitates international trade.
“Countries that want to uphold the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation must come together to address the challenge posed by this non-state actor firing ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at commercial vessels from many countries lawfully transiting international waters .
“This is an international challenge that requires collective action. That's why today I'm announcing the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a major new multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153, focused on security in the Red Sea.
Operation Prosperity Guardian brings together multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to ensure the freedom of the shipping for all countries and strengthening regional security and prosperity.”
An armed Houthi fighter walks through the beach, in the background the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, which was seized by the Houthis off the coast of the Red Sea port of al-Salif in Hodeidah province, Yemen [Yahya Arhab/EPA-EFE]