The United States is engaging with at least 12 countries as part of efforts to develop a naval force to secure the passage of commercial ships in and around the Red Sea, according to a U.S. defense official speaking to “Al Arabiya English”.
Expanding the Combined Task Force 153
U.S. officials announced they are exploring ways to expand the Combined Task Force 153, which is currently based in Bahrain. The Combined Task Force 153 currently includes 39 member nations, but the U.S. defense official stated that discussions involving the 12 countries focus on what contributions they can make to the current mission of securing maritime navigation.
Houthi Threats and U.S. Response
The Iranian-backed Houthi group has launched missiles and other projects at Israel since fighting erupted after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7. U.S. warships have also faced missiles and other projectiles fired by Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East.
U.S. Diplomatic Efforts in the Gulf
The U.S. special envoy for Yemen traveled to the Gulf earlier this month, and the State Department said this threatens nearly two years of progress toward ending the long-standing war in Yemen. Tim Lenderking went to continue U.S. “intensive” diplomacy and regional coordination to ensure maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden amid rising Houthi and Iranian attacks, according to a statement from the State Department.
Houthi Threats and Cooperation with Partners
The U.S. armed forces stated they have every reason to believe that four attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea last week were fully enabled by Iran, although they were launched by Houthi forces from Yemen. They added that the U.S. would consider “all appropriate responses”.
Cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Israel
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, emphasizing Iran’s dangerous role in advising, arming, and training the Houthis. He also mentioned Washington’s desire to work with “approved partners to secure global shipping routes,” following the U.S. announcement that it has a framework for a naval force.
In a call with his Israeli counterpart last week, Austin also condemned the increasing Houthi escalation in the Red Sea, which threatens freedom of navigation and free trade.
The U.S. Navy shot down a drone originating from a part of Yemen controlled by the Houthis on Wednesday morning, according to a U.S. defense official who declined to be identified. The U.S. Navy stated that a naval fighter launched a missile at the drone as it passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed they carried out the attack and said they targeted the tanker because it was set to deliver crude oil to Israel. However, the Norwegian company that owns the tanker stated it was en route to Italy and had no plans to stop in Israel, according to Reuters. The U.S. warship Mace proceeded to the attack site but left later after there was no need for assistance, according to a U.S. defense official.
U.S. officials have been studying the idea of a task force focused on Houthi threats after an increase in attacks carried out by Houthi forces against commercial ships and also against Israel.
In conclusion, Houthi threats to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea were discussed with regional officials during U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s meeting on Thursday.
Leave a Reply