Macron told French soldiers deployed in Jordan that in this region, which is essential for global maritime transport, “the threat posed by the Houthis to freedom of navigation is unacceptable.”
The French President praised the “pivotal role” played by the French Navy in recent days to confront the Houthi threat in the Red Sea.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the launch of a multinational security operation by the United States to secure trade in the Red Sea.
Austin, who is visiting Bahrain, which hosts the headquarters of the US Fleet in the Middle East, said that the countries participating in the operation include Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.
Reuters quoted the US Secretary of Defense as saying in a statement, “This is an international challenge that requires collective action,” announcing the launch of the “Guardian of Prosperity” initiative.
During an online meeting with ministers from more than 40 countries, Austin called on other countries to contribute and denounced the Houthis’ “reckless actions.”
The Houthis intensified their attacks with missiles and drones, which they began last month, on international ships passing through the Red Sea, in response to Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip.
The attacks that occurred this week forced the major British oil company, BP, and other shipping companies, such as the Danish Maersk, to change the route of shipments that usually pass through the Suez Canal, to go around the Cape of Good Hope, which increased time and costs.
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2023-12-21 21:13:32
