Securing the Seas: Operation Prosperity Guardian’s Multinational Effort to Safeguard Maritime Commerce Amidst Red Sea Turmoil
Operation Prosperity Guardian, initiated in December 2023, is a multinational coalition formed to respond to Houthi-led attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. This operation was announced by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to counter threats against international maritime commerce following a series of attacks against commercial vessels by Houthi forces. These attacks have been linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Houthi military leaders stating that any escalation in Gaza would be mirrored in the Red Sea.
The operation has garnered the participation of over 20 countries. Some of the notable members include the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Greece, Denmark, and Norway. However, major Arab allies of the United States, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, are absent from the listed participants. The coalition’s forces currently include several naval assets from these countries, such as the UK’s HMS Diamond and the Italian frigate Virginio Fasan, alongside U.S. destroyers like USS Carney and USS Mason.
The Houthi attacks have had a significant impact on global trade. Major shipping companies, including BP, Hapag Lloyd, and Maersk, have chosen to avoid the Red Sea and reroute their vessels around Africa, adding significant costs and time to shipping routes. This diversion of traffic from the Suez Canal route has raised concerns about the potential for global inflation and disruptions in supply chains.
Iran has been accused of being behind the Houthi attacks, a claim which Iran denies, although it acknowledges supporting the Houthis. The European diplomat involved in the task force expressed that there is no doubt the Houthis are acting on behalf of Iran.
In response to these challenges, Operation Prosperity Guardian aims to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in key areas such as the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. This operation represents a significant effort to secure one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints, crucial for the global economy.
