Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that Australia’s strategic focus will remain on the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. He clarified that while Australia will not send any ships or planes to the Middle East, it will contribute an additional six personnel to the US-led naval force in the Red Sea. This announcement was reported by the Turkish Anadolu Agency on Thursday.
On December 18, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the formation of a multinational force called “Operation Sentinel Prosperity” to secure navigation in the Red Sea. He described it as a significant new multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and Task Force 153, focusing on securing the Red Sea.
The operation aims to address security challenges, ensure freedom of navigation, and prevent targeting of ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The operational scope of the forces involved will cover the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
In response to the American announcement, the Houthi group “Ansar Allah” stated their refusal for direct communication with Washington regarding this matter. They warned of an unprecedented military response, threatening to sink American ships and turn the Red Sea into a graveyard for them if Washington undertakes any military action against them. They affirmed their commitment to continue targeting ships headed to Israel, regardless of nationality, until the war in Gaza stops.
Ansar Allah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi announced on October 10 that the group would engage in missile and air attacks and “other military options” in support of Palestinian factions against the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip.
It is noted that the toll of Israeli bombings and ground operations in the Gaza Strip since October 7 has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and over 52,000 injuries.
UK has joined a new US-led multinational naval force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at fending off attacks in the Red Sea. This initiative involves the collaboration of vessels from several countries including the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain. The operation underscores the international nature of the challenge and the need for collective action to secure maritime commerce in the region.
