U.S. launches Operation Prosperity Guardian to defend Red Sea shipping lanes from Houthi attacks

U.S. officials on Monday expanded a multinational maritime force in the Red Sea to defend against escalating attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which have impeded international shipping routes.

“The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in the announcement.

The new defense, named Operation Prosperity Guardian, builds on the power of the Combined Maritime Forces, a 39-member international coalition. The CMF operates under the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet in Bahrain to protect maritime access and stability.