The World Shipping Council (WSC) has welcomed the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational security initiative aimed at protecting seafarers and defending the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Led by the US Department of Defense under Task Force 153 of the Combined Maritime Forces, the initiative involves multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. The move follows a surge in Houthi attacks originating from Yemen, threatening maritime commerce and endangering innocent mariners. The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader, seized by Houthi forces on Nov. 19, exemplifies the growing risks faced by merchant ships. Organizations like BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have called for urgent action to end these attacks, emphasizing the violations of freedom of navigation and the rules-based international order. Major container ship operators, including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and CMA CGM, have already suspended voyages through the Red Sea in response to the heightened risks.

SOURCE:GOOGLE