- To preserve Red Sea commerce, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian.
- This comes in the wake of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.
Operation Prosperity Defender
- Countries taking part include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain.
- Joint Patrols: These countries will patrol together in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The Houthi Rebels’ Position
- Houthi rebels have proclaimed their desire to continue their attacks on Red Sea vessels.
- The rebels believe that the US-led coalition’s goal is to safeguard Israel and militarise the Mediterranean.
- Beyond Yemen: The Houthis have attacked ships in major shipping channels and initiated assaults on Israel.
- Houthis claimed a drone attack on cargo vessels in the region prior to Austin’s declaration.
Significance of the Operation
- The Operation’s Impact on Suez Canal trade: The turmoil affects approximately 12% of worldwide maritime trade through the Suez Canal.
- Rerouting and Economic Consequences: Shipping companies are rerouting routes, which increases costs and delays.
About Red Sea
| Details | |
| Location | Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti are in Africa, while Saudi Arabia and Yemen are in Asia. |
| Connection | The Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden connect it to the Indian Ocean. |
| Length | Approximately 2,250 km long. |
| Width | The width varies from 355 km at its broadest point to 20 km at the Tiran Strait. |
| Maximum Depth | The middle median trench is approximately 7,254 feet (2,211 m) long. |
| Unique Features | One of the saltiest bodies of water on the planet. Notable for its diverse environment, which includes huge coral reefs. |
| Climate | The neighbouring desert and high evaporation rates contribute to its extreme salinity. |
| Economic Importance | Major shipping route; oil-rich region with substantial petroleum resources on the sea’s borders. |
Source: https://thewire.in/world/us-launches-red-sea-force-against-attacks-by-yemens-houthis#:~:text=US%20Launches%20Red%20Sea%20Force%20Against%20Attacks%20by%20Yemen's%20Houthis,-The%20multinational%20coalition&text=Dubbed%20%E2%80%9COperation%20Prosperity%20Guardian%2C%E2%80%9D,already%20operating%20in%20the%20region.