Pentagon announces special multinational task force to combat Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

Finally, after weeks of inaction, the Biden administration and its allies made a move to respond to Islamic attacks in the Red Sea against commercial vessels.

According to the Pentagon, the United States and several countries announced on Monday a special multinational task force aimed at combating and reducing Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

This is "Operation Prosperity Guardian," which will involve, in addition to the United States, countries such as the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.

According to the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, the measure will activate the existing regional task force created to guarantee maritime security.

The move comes after Iranian-backed Houthi Islamic rebels launched several missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in recent weeks.

U.S. warships are the defense vessels that have primarily responded to the attacks in recent weeks.

"The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law," said Secretary Austin during his Middle East tour.

"The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade. Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations lawfully transiting international waters," he added.