Houthi forces, supported by Iran, have pledged to destroy vessels they perceive as en route to or from Israel.
HMS Diamond of the Royal Navy will contribute to the international task force responsible for safeguarding vessels crossing the Red Sea following a series of Houthi militia attacks.
The United Kingdom has stated that its action was taken in light of the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Defence Secretary for Joe Biden, Lloyd Austin, announced on Monday that vessels from the United States, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain will join forces with American-led multinational naval forces.
Cabinet members were briefed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that “malevolent actors were attempting to exploit the situation in the Middle East for their benefit.”
UK’s Response to Houthi Attacks
He informed ministers that “several companies have suspended passage through the region in response to Houthi attacks” and that “the United Kingdom has always stood up to protect free trade, and HMS Diamond and HMS Lancaster are stationed in the region to provide necessary deterrence.”
The official spokesman for the prime minister further stated, “These rebels are sponsored by Iran, and it is well known that Iran is actively pursuing measures to undermine regional stability. We know this, so we’re working with our friends to build a deterrence system to protect commercial shipping.
Additionally, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps issued the following statement: “These unlawful assaults pose an intolerable risk to the worldwide economy, undermine the stability of the region, and have the potential to increase fuel costs. An international solution is necessary for this international problem.” HMS Diamond has therefore chosen to participate in Operation Prosperity Guardian.
“The establishment of this novel task force will safeguard shipping and critical trade routes in the Red Sea. Where substantial quantities of commodities and oil pass en route to Europe and the United Kingdom.”
“Provision of the Royal Navy safeguards British interests in a region of the globe that is becoming more contested.” Their significant contribution to maintaining peace and security should not be undervalued. And we extend our gratitude for their assistance, particularly in this season of celebration.
HMS Diamond Engages Hostile Drone
The nearby HMS Diamond shot down a drone thought to be targeting commercial ships on Saturday.
This marked the first time since the 1991 Gulf War that the Royal Navy had engaged in hostile aerial operations.
Ten to twelve percent of worldwide commerce passes through the Strait.
Hamas ties with the Houthis, an Iranian-backed Yemeni rebellion that has taken over vast parts of the nation. They have vowed to destroy vessels they believe are en route to Israel.
They may be targeting ships crossing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between Djibouti and Yemen in the Horn of Africa.
The “Gate of Tears” strait signifies a substantial maritime trade route connecting Asia and Europe. It contributes to an estimated 10% to 12% of the world’s maritime commerce.
Following Monday’s report by United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) that at least one British vessel was attacked off the Yemeni port of Mokha, Ambrey, a British maritime security firm, reported today that it has received intelligence regarding a possible hijacking attempt off the coast of Yemen.
Presently, three American destroyers and one French warship comprise the task force; both are present in the area.
Red Sea Shipping Companies Reroute
The Italian navy said that Virgilio Fasan will join the Red Sea ahead of schedule.
Red Sea shipping companies continue to reroute.
Major corporations welcomed the task force’s report. But were uncertain as to whether it would be sufficient to restore shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Maersk, the second-largest shipping company in the world and the first to halt operations in the region described the task force’s announcement as “extremely positive” but maintained a cautious stance.
Rabab Raafat Boulos, chief infrastructure officer, remarked, “As the queue of affected vessels in the area continues to grow rapidly. The coalition will need to move swiftly to prevent a direct negative impact on international trade.”
Nils Haupt, the fifth-largest shipping company in the world and a representative of Hapag-Lloyd, expressed his approval of the operation but added, “We will not pass through the Red Sea as long as safety and security cannot be guaranteed.”
