Royal Navy Destroyer Joins US-Led Operation In Red Sea After Upsurge In Attacks

The United Kingdom has warned of the growing possibility of ballistic missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea as a result of the security situation there becoming worse. The UK has committed to sending a Royal Navy destroyer to participate in an operation led by the United States to protect trade.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attacking these vital trade routes, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and the United States has announced the formation of a task force to protect commerce in these areas. Major corporations like BP and Maersk have rerouted their activities to avoid the Gaza Strip as a result of the increasing intensity of these attacks in response to Israel’s actions there.

HMS Diamond, which recently intercepted a suspected drone in the Red Sea, is one of the Royal Navy’s participation in the international task force led by the United States.

According to the British Ministry of Defence, three American destroyers and one French vessel are presently part of the task force. Their actions in the Southern Red Sea are centred on preventing illegal organisations from operating in international seas, safeguarding human lives, international trade, and freedom of transportation.

UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps highlighted the worldwide implications of these “illegal attacks,” saying they threaten regional security, represent an intolerable risk to the world economy, and could increase fuel costs. Shapps stressed the necessity of a worldwide response to this urgent issue.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman stated that the task group has great potential to prevent such attacks and protect commercial vessels. Even though the government is keeping a careful eye on the possible economic effects—especially about prices driven on by the disruption of marine trade—there are no intentions to send further British navy ships to the area.

Reference: Reuters

Royal Navy Destroyer Joins US-Led Operation In Red Sea After Upsurge In Attacks appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News