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 new defense, named Operation Prosperity Guardian, builds on the power of the Combined Maritime Forces, a 39-member international coalition.
A subdivision of the forces, called Task Force 153 is dedicated to the Red Sea.
Oil giant BP announced Monday it would temporarily suspend its shipping in the Red Sea, joining companies like shipping firms Maersk, MSC and others.
Operation Prosperity Guardian will aim to deter further Houthi attacks as the U.S. eyes potential flare-ups of regional conflict amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Persons:
Lloyd Austin, hadn't, John Kirby
Organizations:
Prosperity, Combined Maritime Forces, U.S . Navy Fifth Fleet, Security, Task Force, BP, Maersk, MSC
Locations:
Sana'a, Yemen, U.S, Iran, Bahrain, Suez, Red, Israel