In light of increasing attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US is considering increasing cooperation with partners in the region.
“We are currently in discussions with other countries about a sort of maritime task force, involving ships from partner countries other than the United States, to ensure the safe passage of ships in the Red Sea,” said the US president’s national security advisor, Joe Biden. , Jake Sullivan, in Washington yesterday. Negotiations are still ongoing and there is nothing concrete to announce yet.
Sullivan pointed to other transnational maritime entities in waters such as the Gulf of Oman and off the coast of Somalia in connection with piracy.
More intense Houthi attacks
In recent days, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have intensified their attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. One of the most important shipping routes in the world runs along the Yemeni coast to and from the Suez Canal in Egypt.
This canal connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, providing the shortest sea route from Asia to Europe. About ten percent of all world trade passes through the Red Sea.