Operation Prosperity Guardian Unveiled by US Defense Secretary in Bid to Counter Houthi Threats

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is set to reveal the details of Operation Prosperity Guardian during his Middle East tour, a multinational initiative aimed at countering threats posed by the Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, as reported by The War Zone and confirmed by a Pentagon spokesperson.

The announcement comes in the wake of a joint effort by American and British destroyers last Saturday, intercepting 15 drones launched by the Houthi forces targeting commercial vessels in the southern region of the Red Sea.

The specifics regarding the nations participating in the operation have yet to be disclosed, leaving the international community awaiting further details. Currently, the US Navy's USS Carney and USS Mason, alongside the British Royal Navy's HMS Diamond, and the French Navy's frigate FS Languedoc, are patrolling the southern waters of the Red Sea.

Germany has also signaled its involvement in the operation, with reports suggesting that the frigate F221 Hessen will join the mission early next year. The German vessel is expected to engage in joint efforts with Western partners to safeguard merchant shipping, addressing the escalating tensions in the Red Sea.

As part of his broader Middle East tour, Secretary Austin plans to visit key regional allies, including Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Additionally, he is scheduled to tour the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.

The move to unveil Operation Prosperity Guardian underscores the growing international concern over Houthi activities in the Red Sea and signals a concerted effort by the US and its allies to address and counter the evolving security challenges in the region. The situation remains dynamic, with diplomatic and military efforts intertwining in response to the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.