Over 20 Countries Join U.S.-Led Red Sea Maritime Security Coalition
Over 20 countries have allied with a U.S.-led initiative to safeguard maritime commerce in the Red Sea against Houthi rebel incursions, the Pentagon announced. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have targeted this critical maritime corridor under the pretext of supporting Gaza's Palestinians against Israel and Hamas conflict. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder highlighted the group’s contribution to global economic instability, likening them to "bandits" disrupting this key trade route.
The coalition aims to patrol the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, ensuring the secure passage of commercial vessels. Ryder urged the Houthis to stop their aggression. The strife between Israel and Hamas, reignited by an October 7 Palestinian attack killing approximately 1,140 Israelis, led to Israel's forceful military response in Gaza. This offensive, involving air strikes and a ground campaign, claimed the lives of at least 20,000 people, according to Gaza’s Hamas government, fueling regional outrage and prompting retaliatory actions like the Houthi attacks. The U.S. introduced the coalition on a preceding Monday, soon followed by Houthi threats of counteraction.
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