Israel-Gaza war: more than 20 countries now in Red Sea coalition led by US, says Pentagon

The countries have agreed to take part in the coalition safeguarding commercial traffic in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement

The Red Sea crisis has grown out of the Israel-Gaza war. The Houthis have stepped up Red Sea attacks, threatening to target all ships heading to Israel

Reading Time:2 minutes

A Houthi fighter stands on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea. Photo: Houthi Military Media / Handout via Reuters

Published: 7:30am, 22 Dec 2023Updated: 2:42am, 23 Dec 2023

More than 20 countries have agreed to take part in the new US-led coalition safeguarding commercial traffic in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement as more nations join the effort, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Still, the new Pentagon total would suggest that at least eight of the countries who have signed up have also declined to be publicly named, in a sign of political sensitivities of the operation as regional tensions soar over the Israel-Gaza war.

“We’ve had over 20 nations now sign on to participate,” Major General Patrick Ryder said, noting declarations by Greece and Australia.

“We’ll allow other countries, defer to them to talk about their participation.”

The United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian two days ago, saying more than a dozen countries had agreed to take part in an effort that will involve joint patrols in Red Sea waters near Yemen.

Each country will contribute what they can, Ryder said, dubbing it a “coalition of the willing.”