US-led multi-nation task force to counter Red Sea attacks

The news: United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced a new multi-nation maritime taskforce designed to protect commercial shipping vessels from attacks by Yemen's Houthi militants. Operation Prosperity Guardian will involve the US, the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles and Spain.

The numbers: The Red Sea handles about 12% of world trade and is a key waterway in global energy supply chains. Oil prices rose after BP became the first major oil producer to say it was pausing all shipments through the Red Sea.

The context: The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the intensifying missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which the Iran-aligned group says is designed to show support for Palestinians as an extension of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

What they said: “The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners and violates international law,” Austin said. “This is an international challenge that demands collective action.”