Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) - Despite the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the Red Sea, Yemen's Houthi rebels show no signs of ending their attacks on commercial ships, stated Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the top commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East. Operation Prosperity Guardian, which was launched just over 10 days ago, has seen an increase in trade traffic, with 1,200 merchant ships traveling through the Red Sea region without being hit by drone or missile strikes.

Cooper revealed that additional countries are joining the mission, with Denmark being the latest to announce its plans to send a frigate. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the need for collective action, stating that the situation is an international challenge that demands a united response.

The attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis have been aimed at Israel-linked ships with an intent to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow passage that connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, is a crucial trade route linking markets in Asia and Europe. The severity of the attacks, which have caused damage to several vessels, prompted shipping companies to issue travel restrictions and reroute their ships around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, incurring additional time and costs.

Currently, five warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom are patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden. Since the start of Operation Prosperity Guardian, these ships have successfully intercepted and shot down a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles.

Just recently, the USS Mason, a Navy destroyer, intercepted a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile fired by the Houthis, according to U.S. Central Command. Thankfully, no damage or injuries were reported among the 18 ships in the area.

Cooper assured that the coalition is maintaining direct communication with commercial ships, offering guidance on maneuvering and best practices to avoid attacks. They are also closely coordinating with the shipping industry to enhance security measures.

While an international task force was established in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the region, Operation Prosperity Guardian boasts more ships and a persistent presence to ensure vessel safety. Nevertheless, Cooper acknowledged that the Houthis are increasing their use of anti-ship ballistic missiles, indicating that their reckless attacks are likely to continue.

The Houthi rebels gained control of Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014, sparking a relentless war against a Saudi-led coalition aiming to reinstate the government. Although sporadic attacks on ships had occurred in the region, they have intensified since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

The Houthis have expanded their threat to attack any vessel they suspect is either heading to or coming from Israel. This has broadened to include container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries such as Norway and Liberia, which have been targeted or faced missile fire.

Maersk, a major shipping company, initially halted its ships outside the strait and Red Sea, but subsequently decided to reroute them around Africa. However, on December 25, Maersk announced that it would resume sending ships through the strait, citing the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian. Cooper disclosed that another shipping company had also resumed using the route, highlighting that commerce is now flowing steadily.

In conclusion, despite the international maritime mission, Yemen's Houthi rebels continue their reckless attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, causing disruptions to trade and necessitating increased security measures.