Central Idea

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect Red Sea commerce.
This follows missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.

Operation Prosperity Guardian

Countries Involved: The U.K., Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain are participating.
Joint Patrols: These nations will conduct joint patrols in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Continued Aggression: Houthi rebels declared their intention to persist with attacks on Red Sea shipping.
Rebels’ Claims: They claim the US-led coalition aims to protect Israel and militarize the sea.
Attacks Beyond Yemen: Houthis have targeted vessels in key shipping lanes and launched attacks towards Israel.
Recent Drone Attack: Prior to Austin’s announcement, Houthis claimed a drone attack on cargo vessels in the region.

Impact on Suez Canal Traffic: About 12% of global shipping traffic through the Suez Canal is affected by the unrest.
Rerouting and Economic Consequences: Shipping firms are diverting routes, leading to increased costs and delays.

	Details
Location	Between Africa (Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti) and Asia (Saudi Arabia, Yemen).
Connection	Connects to the Indian Ocean via the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden.
Length	Approximately 2,250 km long.
Width	Varies from 355 km at its widest point to 20 km at the Strait of Tiran.
Maximum Depth	About 7,254 feet (2,211 m) in the central median trench.
Unique Features	– One of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. – Notable for its rich ecosystem, including extensive coral reefs.
Climate	Generally hot and arid; surrounding desert and high evaporation rates contribute to its high salinity.
Economic Importance	Major shipping route; oil-rich region with significant petroleum deposits on the sea’s borders.