Commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet: No Signs Indicating End of Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea

The commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain stated on Saturday, January 9, that there are no signs indicating an end to the 'reckless' Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. This statement by Admiral Brad Cooper comes as more countries join the international maritime mission known as 'Operation Guardian of Prosperity' to protect vessels passing through this vital waterway. In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, he mentioned that since the announcement of 'Operation Guardian of Prosperity' ten days ago, 1,200 commercial ships have passed through the Red Sea without any drone or missile attacks on them. Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, during his recent visit to Bahrain and tour of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, announced the formation of this maritime coalition, stating, 'This is an international challenge that requires collective action.' With the intensification of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, several shipping companies have suspended the use of this strategic and highly significant route. The commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet expects that in the coming weeks, an increasing number of countries will join the maritime coalition. The United States previously announced that over 20 countries are members of this international coalition, but some have not publicly disclosed their participation. Denmark became the latest member of the coalition on Friday by announcing the dispatch of a frigate. In part of his interview with the Associated Press, the commander stated that currently five warships from the U.S., France, and the UK are patrolling the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden, and since the start of their joint operations, they have successfully shot down 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles. According to Brad Cooper, the coalition is in direct contact with passing commercial vessels to provide necessary guidance on the best practices to avoid attacks and is closely cooperating with the shipping industry for security coordination. He referred to the international task force established since April of last year to enhance maritime security in the region, stating that 'Operation Guardian of Prosperity' is conducted with the participation of more ships and a continuous presence in the area to assist passing vessels. He noted that Houthi attacks using anti-ship ballistic missiles have increased, and the U.S. believes these 'reckless' attacks are likely to continue. The Iran-backed Houthis have recently warned that they will target ships originating from or heading to Israel. However, missile and drone attacks by this militia group have also occurred against vessels flying the flags of other countries, including Norway and Liberia. The shipping company Maersk, which had previously announced rerouting its ships to southern Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, has recently stated that its vessels will resume passing through the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, referencing 'Operation Guardian of Prosperity.' The commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet also informed the Associated Press that another shipping company has resumed using the Red Sea route. The U.S. has sanctioned one individual and three entities facilitating the Islamic Republic's financial support to the Houthis. Several explosions have occurred along the shipping route in the Red Sea near the shores of Yemen. A drone attack targeted a ship linked to Israel near the western coast of India. The U.S. has stated that the Islamic Republic has extensive involvement in attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Two other vessels have refrained from passing through the Red Sea; the White House stated that it is monitoring the situation. Over 20 countries have joined the U.S. coalition to protect ships in the Red Sea. Greece has dispatched a frigate to the Red Sea; the European Union Navy is joining 'Operation Guardian of Prosperity.' There are concerns about rising global consumer goods prices due to Houthi disruptions in maritime shipping. Lloyd Austin, during his visit to the USS Ford aircraft carrier, stated: 'We will not allow the war in Gaza to escalate into a regional conflict.' The U.S. insists that Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea must cease.