According to Austin, the name of the operation is Prosperity Guardian, CNN reports.
Austin, who met with senior Israeli officials, said countries must unite against this non-state actor, which launches ballistic missiles and drones at merchant ships of various countries legally transiting international waters. In addition to the United States, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain will participate in the operation.
“The recent escalation of reckless attacks by the Houthis from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent seafarers and violates international law,” Austin said. “The Red Sea is a critical waterway, vital to freedom of navigation, and an important trade corridor enabling international trade.”
Prior to Austin’s announcement, the US warship USS Carney responded yesterday to a distress call from a merchant ship that was attacked by multiple missiles in the Red Sea. A ship called the Swan Atlantic was attacked kamikaze– with a drone and an anti-ship missile from the Houthi-controlled area in Yemen, the US Central Command announced. At the same time, the Houthis also attacked another merchant ship in the Red Sea.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks and said both ships attacked were linked to Israel. The Houthis claimed that only ships bound for Israeli ports would be attacked.
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2023-12-19 08:19:02
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