US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday that the United States was leading a multinational operation to protect commerce in the Red Sea as attacks by Iran-backed militants from Yemen's Houthi group forced more important shipping companies changing route.
The Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks they began last month against international vessels sailing through the Red Sea, in response to Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip.
This week's attacks, however, forced oil major BP and a number of freight companies, including Maersk, to divert shipments normally made through the Suez Canal to around the Cape of Good Hope, adding days to travel times. and incurring higher costs.
The 10-week war between Israel and Hamas, which previously controls Gaza, has involved the United States and allies certainly supporting Israel. Iran and its Arab forces, however, supported Hamas, increasing the risk of a regional conflict.
Austin is traveling to Bahrain, home of the U.S. Navy in the Middle East. He revealed that the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain are participating in the security operation in the Red Sea.
The group will carry out joint patrols in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
“This is an international challenge that demands collective action,” Austin said in a statement.
In a virtual meeting with ministers from more than 40 nations, Austin called for input from other countries, eventually condemning the “reckless actions of the Houthis.”
Maritime transport companies adopt measures in the face of the crisis in the USA
Austin's announcement raises several questions. It is not known how many countries are willing to follow the action of US warships. They have recently shot down Houthi missiles and drones, as well as coming to the aid of commercial ships under attack.
France later said it would join the effort to stop the Houthi attacks.
Shipping companies continued to change route on Tuesday despite Austin's announcement. Danish company Maersk, which suspended shipping in the Red Sea, said its ships would sail around Africa until further notice.
“We believe that a solution for the Suez Canal and the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden routes will be implemented soon. However, it is currently difficult to say when this will occur”, he declared in a statement.
Industry sources highlighted that the impact on global trade will depend on the duration of the crisis. They mentioned that insurance premiums and longer routes will be immediate charges.
Source: Phil Stewart | Notícias Agrícolas
