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CHRISTIANSTED, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) – Yemen’s Houthi rebels show no signs of ceasing their “reckless” attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the top U.S. naval commander in the Middle East said Saturday. Ta. more countries Trade traffic begins to pick up as you participate in international maritime missions protecting ships in important waterways.
Since Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced just 10 days ago, 1,200 merchant ships have sailed through the Red Sea region, but none have been attacked by drones or missiles, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper told The Associated Press. said in an interview. He said more countries are expected to sign on. Denmark on Friday announced plans to send a frigate to the mission, which Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced during a visit to Bahrain, home of the Navy’s 5th Fleet, adding: “This is an international challenge that requires collective action.” said.
The Iran-backed Houthis say they are attacking ships linked to Israel in an effort to deter Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.
The narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Important trade routes connect markets in Asia and Europe. Due to the severity of the attack, several of which have damaged ships, several shipping companies have ordered their vessels to remain in place and not enter the strait until the security situation improves. Some major shippers sent ships to Africa and around the Cape of Good Hope, making the journey time-consuming and expensive.
Five warships from the United States, France and Britain are currently patrolling the southern Red Sea and western Gulf of Aden, said Cooper, who heads the 5th Fleet. Since the start of the operation, the ships have shot down a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles, he said.
Just two days ago, the USS Mason shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by the Houthis, according to US Central Command. The United States said it was the 22nd attack on international shipping by the Houthis since October 19, with no damage to 18 ships in the area and no reported injuries.
“We expect more countries to join in the coming weeks,” Cooper said, referring to Denmark’s recent announcement.
The United States says more than 20 countries are participating, but many of those countries do not officially recognize them.
Mr Cooper said the coalition was in direct contact with commercial vessels, providing guidance on “vessel maneuvering and best practices to avoid attacks” and working closely with the shipping industry to coordinate security.
An international task force had been established in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the region. But Cooper said Operation Prosperity Guardian had more ships and a permanent presence to support ships.
Since the start of the operation, the Houthis have stepped up their use of anti-ship ballistic missiles, Cooper said. “We are clear that the Houthis’ reckless attacks are likely to continue,” he said.
The Houthis captured Yemen’s capital Sanaa in 2014 and launched a fierce war against a Saudi-led coalition seeking to restore the government. Militants have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but attacks have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
The Houthis have threatened to attack ships believed to be traveling to or from Israel. The situation is clearly spreading to all types of shipping, with container ships and oil tankers flagged by countries such as Norway and Liberia being attacked or hit by missiles.
Shipping company Maersk had earlier announced that it had decided to reroute the ship, which had been anchored for several days outside the Channel and the Red Sea, and instead send it around Africa. Maersk announced on December 25 that it would resume sending ships to the Strait due to this operation. Mr Cooper said other shipping companies had also resumed using the route.
“Commerce is definitely flowing,” Cooper said.
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Associated Press writer Lolita C. Bardo in Washington contributed to this report.
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