Operation Prosperity Guardian |10 January 2024
One of the commercial vessels that have been attacked in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels from Yemen
‘This is an international problem requiring an international solution,’ claims US embassy in Seychelles
Economies throughout the world, and especially those of island states, rely on the free flow of commerce through international shipping, according to the U.S. embassy in Seychelles. In a press release issued on Monday, the embassy stated that every year, 15% of global trade, 30% of global container traffic, and $1 trillion (13.4 trillion Seychellois Rupees) in goods pass through the Red Sea.
Attacks on these shipping lanes do not only affect the innocent crews of these commercial vessels, they harm ordinary people worldwide by increasing the cost of essential goods such as food, medicine, and fuel. Seychelles NATION sought further clarification from Adham Loutfi, chargé d’affaires at the U.S. embassy in Seychelles.
Seychelles NATION: Has there been any attacks yet? If so, how many?
Mr Loutfi: According to the information that we have, since November 19, Houthi rebels from Yemen have attacked commercial vessels 23 times. They’ve been using a combination of anti-ship ballistic missiles land attack cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and fast boats. This is the first time that anti-ship ballistic missiles have been used anywhere, let alone against commercial ships. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden corridor is essential for the global economy and international shipping. The recent escalation in attacks on international commercial vessels in the region threatens the free flow of commerce, the safety of ships, global political and economic stability, and endangers innocent mariners and people in the region. These attacks do not just affect shipping companies and their crews – they affect ordinary people worldwide. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, 55 nations have direct connections to the ships that have been attacked, whether through the flagging state, where the goods were produced or destined, or the nationalities of the innocent mariners aboard each vessel.
Seychelles NATION: What kind of assistance is the US providing in the Red Sea? (The number of naval ships, since most cargo ships have already changed routes since last month)
Mr Loutfi: On December 18, the United States announced the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, which includes over 20 countries committed to helping safeguard navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea. This is a defensive coalition operating under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces, a coalition of 39-member nations established in 2001, meant to reassure global commercial shipping that the international community is there to help with safe passage. This initiative, however, will benefit the entire world. The economy of every country relies on safe and secure navigation. Our presence in the region is about deterrence and de-escalation with the goal of supporting regional security. All countries have a stake in countering these threats to safe and secure navigation. The establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian represents one of the many actions the United States and our partners are taking to ensure the safety and security of commercial shipping vessels operating in the Red Sea, as well as to deter the expansion of conflict in the region.
Seychelles NATION: Seychelles' name is being mentioned worldwide and the latest incident was the Hezbollah chief poking fun at the country in a video that has gone viral. Any comments?
Mr Loutfi: Operation Prosperity Guardian includes more than 20 countries that are committed to helping protect navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea. We are proud to have Seychelles, a partner of the U.S., as part of this coalition, along with the United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Netherlands and Norway. The list of coalition partners continues to evolve. This is an international problem requiring an international solution, and there’s been an impressive outpouring of support though the commitments made by those participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian.