NORFOLK, Va. — The Pentagon has announced the formation of a new international partnership focused upon countering the attacks by Yemen-based, Iran-backed, Hamas-aligned Houthi rebels.
It's called "Operation Prosperity Guardian," described as "a coalition of the willing," involving the U.S., the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Australia, Greece, Seychelles and Spain.
"It's a defensive coalition mean to reassure global shipping and mariners that the international community is there to help with safe passage," said Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder.
Ryder highlighted the words of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin who, in making the announcement, said: "This is an international challenge that demands collective action."
He added: "It's very important to understand hat the Houthis aren't attacking just one country. They're really attacking the the international community. They're attacking the economic well-being of nations around the world. And I would hope that the Houthis would understand the pressure that they are bringing onto themselves if they don't stop these attacks."
The formation of the coalition comes after numerous attacks since the October 7 beginning of the Israel-Hamas war.
Most recently, the Navy guided missile destroyer USS Carney, part of the Norfolk-based USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, shot down a barrage of 14 attack drones in the Red Sea last Saturday, according to U.S. Central Command.