Denmark Joins US-Led Coalition in the Red Sea

On Monday, February 9, Denmark announced the dispatch of a ship to assist the US-led coalition in protecting shipping from Houthi militia attacks in the Red Sea. The Iran-backed Houthis have attacked at least 33 vessels, including American and British warships, with cruise missiles and drones since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, claiming solidarity with Hamas. Hundreds of commercial ships have been forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope due to the increased Houthi attacks; this route takes 10 to 14 days longer and is more expensive than passing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Denmark, home to the shipping company Maersk, is sending its 139-meter ship 'Ivor Huitfeldt' to participate in Operation 'Guardian of Prosperity,' which was formed last month and includes 20 countries led by the United States. Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark's Minister of Defense, told reporters before the ship's departure from the Korsør naval base, 'If you think the answer to the Houthis is that you can terrorize global free trade, you are mistaken.' He added, 'That is why we are now showing our responsibility alongside the Americans and British that we will not tolerate these attacks.' Last week, Houthi rebels fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles at a container ship flying the US flag, operated by Maersk. Henrik Riber, the commander of the Danish Navy, stated that the ship carries US-made 'Harpoon' anti-ship missiles and 'ESSM' surface-to-air missiles but cannot defend itself or other vessels against ballistic missiles. He mentioned that Denmark has been planning for years to acquire more powerful and longer-range missiles capable of defending against ballistic missiles but has not yet received them. Riber also stated that Danish special operations forces, previously used to combat pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, would not participate in this operation. According to Reuters, the dispatched Danish ship is expected to begin operations in the Red Sea on February 6 with approximately 175 crew members. The Danish Navy commander also emphasized that Denmark would not participate in US-led operations against the Houthis in Yemen. Annually, about 2,500 ships belonging to Danish shipping companies pass through the Red Sea, accounting for about 15% of global shipping traffic. However, Anne Stephensen, head of the Danish Shipping Industry Group, stated, 'Currently, very few Danish ships are passing through this route because it is very unsafe. We need more security, and that is the goal of the coalition.' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Wednesday, January 17, that the 'Ansar Allah' group, also known as the Houthis, would be designated as an international terrorist organization by the US within 30 days.