US and allies rush to counter Houthi assaults on vital Red Sea maritime routes

The escalation of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea has reached a level not witnessed in decades, prompting the United States and its allies to take urgent measures to safeguard shipping in this vital global economic route.

According to a senior US military official, Houthi rebels have carried out approximately 100 attacks on 12 different commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea over the past month. This represents a significant increase in attacks not seen in at least two generations.

The official characterized the attacks by Iran-backed Houthis using ballistic missiles and drones as a "significant shift in the security landscape compared to just two months ago."

The Red Sea hosts a crucial global maritime trade route, and the impact of the attacks has been extensive, with at least 44 countries having ties to vessels targeted by the Houthis, and broader international trade being disrupted as a result of the attacks.

The attacks have been on the rise since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was triggered by the October 7 terrorist attack that claimed the lives of around 1,200 Israelis. In response to the attack, Israel escalated its retaliation, leading to the Houthis targeting ships that they accused of aiding Israel's war efforts. However, numerous targeted companies have denied any involvement with Israel or the war.

Major global corporations, such as oil giant BP and shipping company Maersk, have declared the suspension of their operations in the Red Sea due to the ongoing attacks on vessels in recent weeks. BPs announcement caused a significant spike in oil and gas prices.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's response to the strikes was the announcement of a coalition of at least 10 countries focused on security in the Red Sea. He emphasized that the attacks "threaten the free flow of commerce and endanger innocent mariners." The coalition, known as Operation Prosperity Guardians, will involve member ships being stationed near the Red Sea to swiftly respond to any future attacks.

The UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain have all agreed to participate, according to Austin's announcement on Monday. The US extended invitations to 39 countries to join the operation and anticipates more will join in the near future.

Despite China's continued presence in the area, the US did not extend an invitation for China to take part in the coalition, the official disclosed.

"We will be traveling alongside the highway, so to speak," stated the official. "It's important to note that this is not necessarily an escort mission." However, if a closer escort is deemed necessary at any point, the naval forces in the region will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis.

When asked directly if Iran is helping the Houthis select vessels to attack, the official admitted that there are Iranian forces operating in the Red Sea, but he is unsure about how the Houthis are choosing their targets. According to the US assessment, the Houthi attacks have been "very indiscriminate."

The Houthi rebels, involved in Yemen's prolonged and violent civil war, claim that their attacks are in retaliation for Israel's military actions in Gaza. It is important to note that not all of the ships targeted by the Houthi group are confirmed to have direct ties to Israel.

Furthermore, the Houthis have been steadily enhancing their arsenal and firepower, and have been using drones and anti-ship missiles to target commercial vessels.

A Houthi spokesperson told Al Jazeera on Monday that the group would confront any US-led coalition in the Red Sea.