WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – According to the USA, more than 20 countries have so far agreed to join the military alliance to protect ships in the Red Sea in view of the attacks by Houthi rebels. Since the announcement of “Operation Prosperity Guardian”, Australia and Greece have also announced their participation, said Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder at a press conference on Thursday (local time). He emphasized that the alliance is open to other countries. However, it is up to them to speak publicly about their participation.
The key point is that this is an international problem that requires an international response. “So we will continue to work with this coalition of the willing, and all countries will be able to contribute what they believe is possible,” the Defense Ministry spokesman added. In some cases this will include ships. In other cases it could be staffing or other types of support.
To better protect the important shipping route through the Red Sea, which leads to the Suez Canal, the USA officially launched the new alliance at the beginning of the week. The US military should work even better with the armed forces of other countries in the region.
The Houthi rebels, supported by Israel’s arch-enemy Iran, have been attacking Israel with drones and missiles since the outbreak of the Gaza war and attacking ships in the Red Sea to prevent them from passing through to Israel. Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, through which around ten percent of all world trade passes.
According to US information, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the Seychelles are also taking part in the alliance. Germany is considering participation. According to its own statements, Spain only wants to take part in an EU or NATO mission./jv/DP/tih