US Re-designates Yemen’s Houthis As ‘Global Terrorists’

 

CNBC: Biden designates Houthis terrorist group, as U.S. ramps up Red Sea counterstrikes 

* The U.S. has designated the Yemen-based Houthis as specially designated global terrorists. 

* The State Department revoked the Houthis’ foreign terrorist organization label in 2021, in response to humanitarian groups that claimed it was accelerating a famine in Yemen. 

* The Houthis’ attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea have threatened global trade over the past months. 

The U.S. State Department on Wednesday designated the Iranian-backed, Yemen-based Houthi rebels as specially designated global terrorists, or SDGTs, in an effort to deter further attacks against commercial ships traversing the Red Sea. 

The SDGT designation triggers an asset freeze aimed at cutting off Houthi financing, but will not take effect until mid-February. The SDGT sanctions specifically do not apply to food, medicine, fuel and other humanitarian assistance going to the Yemeni people. 

“If the Houthis cease their attacks, we can consider delisting the designation,” a senior administration official said Tuesday on a call with reporters.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The US State Department was against designating the Houthis as a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization' .... State Department Pressed On Decision To Not Designate Houthis As 'Foreign Terrorist Organization' (Forbes). 

The Biden administration is saying that this designation will not significantly impact aid programs to Yemen .... US pledges new sanctions over Houthi attacks will minimize harm to Yemen’s hungry millions (AP). Aid organizations have a different opinion .... US-UK airstrikes force aid agencies to suspend operations in Yemen (The Guardian). 

US Re-designates Yemen’s Houthis As ‘Global Terrorists’  

Biden administration relists Houthis as terror organization after reversing Trump move -- FOX News  

US redesignates Houthis as global terror group -- ABC News  

U.S. renews terrorist designation of Houthi rebels amid Red Sea attacks -- CBS News  

Biden administration re-designates Houthis as Specially Designated Global Terrorists -- CNN  

Yemen strikes: Houthis to be re-designated as terror group by US 1-- BBC  

US redesignates Houthis as global terrorists amid Red Sea attacks -- The Guardian 

U.S. re-designates Houthis as foreign terrorist organization -- Axios  

US redesignates Yemen’s Houthis as ‘global terrorists’ -- Al Jazeera

CENTCOM Says A Houthi Ballistic Missile Has Struck A US-Owned And Operated Cargo Ship Off The Coast Of Yemen

 

BBC: Houthi missile hits US-owned container ship in Gulf of Aden 

Houthi rebels have hit a US-owned cargo ship with a ballistic missile off the coast of Yemen, the US says. 

The vessel, Gibraltar Eagle, reported "no injuries or significant damage", according to the United States military command for the Middle East (Centcom). 

The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel is continuing on its journey in the Gulf of Aden. Iranian-backed Houthis have been attacking ships since November, in protest at Israel's war against Hamas. 

Shipping company Eagle Bulk Shipping said the bulk carrier was carrying steel products and was about 160km (100 miles) offshore in the Gulf of Aden when it was hit.

It said the vessel "suffered limited damage to a cargo hold but is stable and is heading out of the area".  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: There are reports that another ship has been attacked .... Another ship comes under fire in Red Sea, disruption seen pushing up prices (Reuters). 

 CENTCOM Says A Houthi Ballistic Missile Has Struck A US-Owned And Operated Cargo Ship Off The Coast Of Yemen  

Houthis claim responsibility for missile strike on U.S. cargo ship off Yemen -- UPI  

U.S.-owned container vessel struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile off the coast of Yemen -- CNBC  

US-owned ship struck by missile near Yemen, Defense Department says -- FOX News  

Houthi ballistic missile strikes US-owned and operated cargo ship, US Central Command says -- CNN 

Yemen’s Houthis hit US-owned ship in missile attack, US military says -- Al Jazeera

CENTCOM Says A US Warship Was Targeted By A Houthi Cruise Missile

On Jan. 14 at approximately 4:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), an anti-ship cruise missile was fired from Iranian-backed Houthi militant areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon (DDG 58), which was operating in the Southern Red Sea. The missile was shot down in vicinity of the coast of Hudaydah by… pic.twitter.com/jftZHQhA2e

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 15, 2024

The Cradle: US warship targeted by Yemeni cruise missile: CENTCOM  

The USS Laboon was deployed to the region in mid-October in support of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza  

The US army said on 15 January that one of its navy destroyers was targeted by an anti-ship cruise missile fired by Yemen’s Ansarallah resistance movement early on Monday 14 January. 

According to the statement, the missile was shot down near the coast of Hodeidah by US fighter jets, and no injuries or damages were reported. 

Washington’s Laboon destroyer was deployed to the region on 14 October after US Secretary Defense directed it, along with others, to the Mediterranean in support of Israel’s war on Gaza, Al-Mayadeen news said. 

According to Al-Mayadeen, the Laboon warship shot down four Yemeni attack drones on 23 December, as it was heading towards Israel.  

Read more .... 

CENTCOM Says A US Warship Was Targeted By A Houthi Cruise Missile

Houthis Fire Anti-Ship Missile at USS Laboon -- USNI News  

US Downs Houthi Missile in Latest Red Sea Attack -- VOA  

American Fighter Downs Houthi Missile Heading Toward USS Laboon -- Warzone/The Drive  

U.S. jet shoots down Houthi missile that was heading for USS Laboon -- AP  

Houthi missile fired at US warship shot down as Red Sea tensions rise -- The Guardian

Breaking News: Numerous Reports Are Saying British And US Forces Are Set To Launch Air Strikes Against Yemen Tonight

 

Daily Mail: US and the UK 'to carry out airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen TONIGHT': White House earlier warned of 'consequences' after cargo ships targeted in Red Sea 

* Joint US and British forces shot down 18 drones and three missiles launched by the Houthis late Tuesday, intensifying pressure for a full-scale response 

* It comes at a fraught time - as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is reeling from his prostate cancer operation. He has been in hospital for over a week 

The US and the UK are ready to carry out airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as early as tonight - after both countries warned there could be consequences if ships are continually targeted in the Red Sea. 

Joint US and British forces shot down 18 drones and three missiles launched by the Houthis late Tuesday in what London described as their biggest attack so far in solidarity with Palestinians in Hamas-ruled Gaza. 

Antony Blinken warned of 'consequences' if the rebels do not stop attacking ships in the Red Sea, and called on Iran to end their support for the rebels. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: UK's Sunak has just authorized joint strikes against the Houthis .... Britain and US forces set to launch air strikes in Yemen TONIGHT as Rishi Sunak signs off on drastic response after Iran-backed Houthi rebels ignored 'final warning' to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea (Daily Mail).  

Update: Yemen warns there is going to be blowback .... Any US attack on Yemen’s Houthis will ‘not go without response’ (Al Jazeera). More here .... Houthi Leader Vows A 'Big' Response If U.S. Follows Through On 'Consequences' For Shipping Attacks (Forbes). 

 

Numerous Reports Are Saying British And US Forces Are Set To Launch Air Strikes Against Yemen Tonight  

Britain and US prepare to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen -- The Telegraph  

UK, US expected to launch strikes against Houthis 'within hours' -Times -- Reuters  

US expected to launch major strike against Houthi militants in Yemen terrorizing Red Sea shipping 'within hours' -- NYPost  

US, UK mull strikes against Iran-backed Houthis following Red Sea attacks -- Al-Monitor

Counting The Cost Of The Red Sea Crisis And The West's Standoff Against The Iranian-Backed Houthis

 

Politico.eu: Expensive fuel and million dollar missiles: Counting the cost of the Red Sea crisis 

The standoff between Iran-backed Houthis and the West is taking a toll on the world economy. 

The combat reports from Western navies operating in the Red Sea in recent days read like missives from a war zone — anti-ship missiles shot down, boats full of fighters sunk. But this conflict is playing out in one of the world’s busiest waterways and the knock-on disruption to global trade routes has the potential to reverberate around the globe. 

Attacks on commercial shipping by Yemen’s Houthi militants have spiked in recent weeks in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, with dozens of cargo ships and fuel tankers targeted or delayed as a result of the fighting. While a U.S.-led coalition has been deployed to keep peace in the region, the impact of the burgeoning conflict is already being felt in a number of sectors. And, with Iran vowing to ensure its long-running efforts to pressure Israel continue, it’s likely the crisis has only just begun.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Red Sea crisis from Houthi attacks hits world trade as cost of shipping soars by 170% (El Pais)  

Update #2: The Houthi Threat in the Red Sea and Its Global Economic Impact (The Stock Dork)  

WNU Editor: Short of war the US and its allies do not have many options .... Gaza war: Why Houthis pose a stubborn challenge to US in Red Sea (CSM).

U.S. And Allies Deliver An Ultimatum To The Houthis: Stop Ship Attacks or Face Consequences

 

Wall Street Journal: U.S., Allies Give Houthis Ultimatum: Stop Ship Attacks or Face Consequences 

WASHINGTON—The U.S., Britain and key allies issued what officials described as a final warning to the Houthi Yemeni rebel group Wednesday to cease its attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea or bear the consequences. 

 “Ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilizing,” says the statement issued by more than a dozen nations. 

“The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.”

The U.S. military has prepared options to strike the Iran-backed rebel group, U.S. officials say.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Houthis are not going to comply.

 U.S. And Allies Deliver An Ultimatum To The Houthis  

US Warns Houthis to Cease Attacks on Red Sea Vessels or Face Potential Military Action -- AP  

Houthis warned against new attacks on shipping -- BBC  

US warns Houthis to cease attacks on Red Sea vessels or face potential military action -- The Independent  

UK warns Houthi rebels to end attacks on Red Sea container ships immediately -- Evening Standard

With Houthi Attacks Continuing, Maersk Pauses Shipping Operations In Red Sea Indefinitely

 

FOX News: Maersk pauses shipping operations in Red Sea indefinitely after weekend Houthi attack 

Maersk said last week it was prepared to allow vessels to resume sailing through the Red Sea Shipping giant Maersk said Tuesday it will pause operations in the Red Sea "until futher notice" after another attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen over the weekend. 

"We have decided to pause all transits through the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden until further notice," the Danish company said in a statement to customers. 

"In cases where it makes most sense for our customers, vessels will be rerouted and continue their journey around the Cape of Good Hope."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Maersk is not the only shipping company that has halted shipping operations in the Red Sea .... Global shipping firms continue to pause Red Sea shipments (Reuters).  

Update: US efforts to deter Houthi attacks are not working .... Maersk’s Red Sea shipping pause highlights challenges for U.S.-led efforts to protect trade (CNBC). 

With Houthi Attacks Continuing, Maersk Pauses Shipping Operations In Red Sea Indefinitely  

Maersk halts Red Sea shipping until further notice after Houthi militant attack -- CNBC 

Global shipping firms continue to pause Red Sea shipments -- Reuters  

Shipping giant Maersk pauses Red Sea transit after attack, raising inflation fears -- USA Today  

Maersk pauses shipping through Red Sea after Houthi boats attack vessel -- CNN 

Maersk decides the Red Sea is too unsafe for its ships for now -- Boston Globe

Report: U.S. And U.K. Planning Strikes On Houthi Rebels

Components of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG), guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) and French Navy frigate FS Languedoc (D 653) transit the Strait of Hormuz November 25, 2023. (photo credit: VIA REUTERS)  

Jerusalem Post: UK, US planning strikes as 10 Houthis killed in Red Sea  

The Houthis warned that the US 'bears the consequences' of the deaths of the ten militants. 

Ten Iran-backed Houthi militants were killed after the US sunk their boats during an attempted attack by the militants against a container ship in the southern Red Sea, the militant group announced on Sunday evening. 

On Sunday morning, the Maersk Hangzhou container ship issued a distress call after being attacked by four Houthi small boats, as the Houthis fired on the vessel and attempted to board it, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The security team on the vessel returned fire. 

When the US helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely arrived at the scene, the Houthis fired at them as well. The helicopters returned fire, sinking three of the four boats and killing their crews. The fourth boat fled the area.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The White House is sending a different message .... White House says it is not seeking wider conflict after US helicopters sink Houthi boats in Red Sea, killing crews (CNN).

US Navy Helicopters Sink Three Houthi Boats Attacking Merchant Ship In Red Sea

 

ABC News: US Navy sinks 3 Houthi boats attacking merchant ship in Red Sea, US says  

The U.S. Navy sank three small boats, killing the crew, military officials said. 

U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire and and sank three small boats carrying Houthi militants in the Red Sea on Sunday, after U.S. warships responded to a distress call from a merchant vessel, military officials said. 

A Maersk container ship, the Singapore-flagged Hangzhou, issued a distress call at about 6:30 a.m. local time, U.S. Central Command said in a statement on Sunday. The merchant vessel said four small boats were attacking it.  

Read more .... 

 US Navy Helicopters Sink Three Houthi Boats Attacking Merchant Ship In Red Sea  

US Navy helicopters destroy Houthi boats in Red Sea after attempted hijack -- BBC  

U.S. helicopters kill several Houthi rebels after latest Red Sea shipping attack -- CBC/AP  

US Navy helicopters kill Iran-backed Houthi fighters attempting to board a cargo ship in Red Sea -- Business Insider  

US Navy helicopters repel Houthi attack on Maersk container ship in Red Sea -- ABC News Australia  

US Navy helicopters destroy Houthi boats after attempted Red Sea hijack -- The Independent  

U.S. Navy sinks Houthi boats after container ship attack -- Axios  

US army attacks three Houthi boats in Red Sea, killing at least 10 fighters -- Al Jazeera 

U.S. Navy Helo Crews Kill Houthi Assault Boat Teams After Red Sea Attack -- USNI News

U.S. Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Mason Shoots Down Houthi Drone, Ballistic Missile In Red Sea

The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87) sails in the Gulf of Aden Nov. 25, 2023. US Navy Photo  

USNI News: USS Mason Shoots Down Houthi Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile 

USS Mason (DDG-87) shot down an anti-ship missile and a drone fired by the Houthis Thursday, U.S. Central Command announced via X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. 

This is the 22nd attack on international shipping, according to Central Command, although the X post did not say which ship was targeted. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sare’e has not mentioned an attack on ships on Dec. 28 nor has Saba, the Yemeni state-run media site. 

There were 18 ships in the southern Red Sea between 5:45 and 6:10 p.m. local time, during which Mason shot down the drone and missile. It is not clear how many of the ships were commercial or military.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: US shoots down Houthi drone, ballistic missile in Red Sea (ABC News) 

Update #2: US warship shoots down drone and missile in Red Sea (DW)  

WNU Editor: Here is an interesting article on how some ships are trying to avoid being attacked by the Houthis .... Report: Ships Make Novel Use of AIS to Ward Off Attacks by Houthis (Maritime Executive).

How US Military Hardware Is Combatting Houthi Attacks On Maritime Shipping

 

CNN: Drones vs. warships: How US military hardware is combatting Houthi attacks on maritime shipping 

US warships in the Red Sea have been battling a growing number of weapons fired by Houthi forces in Yemen over the past several weeks, including 17 drones and missiles during a 10-hour period on Tuesday alone. 

Yahya Sare’e, a spokesman for Houthi forces, said on X, formerly Twitter, that the latest launches were in “continued support and solidarity with the Palestinian people.” The group had previously said it was targeting ships headed for Israel following Israeli forces’ invasion of Gaza. 

The Iran-backed Houthis have launched at least 100 attacks against 14 different commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea over the past month, a senior US military official said last week.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The U.S. has had some success .... U.S. forces destroy swarm of drones and missiles launched by Houthis (Axios). But beyond these few successes, the US has no good short/medium/and long term options in this conflict .... Analysis: In the Red Sea, the US has no good options against the Houthis (Al Jazeera).

U.S. Allies Disagree With Washington's Strategy To Counter The Houthis's Attacks On Commercial Shipping In The Red Sea

Reuters: US allies reluctant on Red Sea force amid Gaza fury 

The United States announced the launch of a new international maritime force in response to Yemen's Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. 

But just over a week after the launch, many U.S. allies don't want to be associated with it publicly, or at all. 

The Pentagon says 20 countries have signed up for the the defensive coalition, Operation Prosperity Guardian. 

It aims to ensure billions of dollars' worth of commerce can flow freely through a vital shipping chokepoint in the Red Sea, as the Houthis try to inflict an international cost over Israel's campaign in Gaza. 

But nearly half of those countries have so far not come forward to acknowledge their contributions, or allowed the U.S. to do so.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Operation Prosperity Guardian tussles with internal strife amid Spain, Italy, and France’s conundrum (Republic World)  

Update #2: US-led Red Sea task force in trouble as countries hesitate to join (Semafor)  

Update #3: The ‘Gulf’ widens as GCC states differ on US strategy against Yemen (The Cradle)  

 WNU Editor: The Germans and its European Union partners ​are trying to cobble something together .... Germany in Talks With EU Partners on Red Sea Maritime Mission (Reuters).

US Navy Destroyer And F-18 Fighter Jets Shot Down 17 Drones And Missiles Fired In The Red Sea By Yemen's Houthi Rebels

 

Daily Mail: U.S. shoots down 12 suicide drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land attack cruise missiles fired by Iran-backed rebels in southern Red Sea over 10-hour period 

* Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a barrage of drones and missiles on Tuesday morning, with the onslaught lasting 10 hours 

* The strikes were heading north but were intercepted by the USS Laboon and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group 

* The Laboon, in addition to destroyers Carney and Mason, have all taken down drones in recent weeks and provided help to commercial vessels 

Houthi rebels supported by Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles north towards Israel on Tuesday, with the onslaught blocked by a U.S. Navy destroyer and F/A-18 Super Hornets. U.S. Central Command said that the attack began at 6:30am and lasted for 10 hours. 

'U.S. assets, to include the USS LABOON (DDG 58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, shot down twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis over a 10 hour period which began at approximately 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on December 26,' Centcom said on X. 

'There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries.'  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It must have cost a fortune to shoot down these cheap drones and missiles. I am sure the bean-counters in the Pentagon are bringing this point up. 

 US Navy Destroyer And F-18 Fighter Jets Shot Down 17 Drones And Missiles Fired In The Red Sea By Yemen's Houthi Rebels 

A US Navy destroyer and F-18 fighter jets shot down 17 drones and missiles that Iran-backed rebels fired in the Red Sea over 10 hours -- Business Insider 

US Navy shoots down more than a dozen drones, missiles in Red Sea -- Navy Times 

US shoots down 12 Houthi attack drones, 5 missiles; Israeli jet downs Eilat-bound UAV -- Times of Israel  

US shoots down 12 Houthi attack drones and five missiles in Red Sea -- The Independent  

Super Hornets Score Aerial Kills Over Red Sea -- Warzone

Pentagon's Operation Prosperity Guardian Against Yemen's Houthis "Falls Apart" As Spain, Italy, France Reject Washington's Request To Join

Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea has practically Collapsed as France, Spain, and Italy have all announced their Withdrawal from the U.S. Command Structure for the Operation, with the Three Nations stating they will only conduct further Maritime Operations under the… pic.twitter.com/zhfih2XpTa

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) December 23, 2023

gCaptain/Reuters: Spain, Italy, France Decline US Command Of Red Sea Operation Prosperity Guardian 

The United States is assembling a multinational naval coalition to help safeguard commercial traffic from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. On Thursday, the Pentagon said more than 20 countries had now agreed to participate in the group, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian. 

Some countries have not confirmed their participation, however, while others have said their efforts to help protect Red Sea commercial traffic will be as part of existing naval agreements rather than the new U.S.-led operation. 

The lack of details and clarity over what countries are doing has added to confusion for shipping companies, some of which have been re-routing vessels away from the area after the attacks, which the Houthis say are a response to Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Cracks Form In New Naval Coalition, Drone Strikes Spread To Indian Ocean (Warzone/The Drive)  

Update #2: Pentagon's Operation Prosperity Guardian "Falls Apart" As Spain, Italy, France Reject Request (Zero Hedge)  

WNU Editor: I live in Canada. Canada has agreed to join this coalition. Ottawa's contribution will be to send three naval officers (yes .... three sailors) to assist .... Canada to participate in United States-led Operation PROSPERITY GUARDIAN (Government of Canada).

USS Laboon Shoots Down Four Drones Launched From Houthi-Controlled Areas In Yemen

 

Task & Purpose: More drones, missiles launched over Red Sea despite U.S.-led task force  

A Navy destroyer shot down several drones over five hours this afternoon.  

A U.S. Navy destroyer shot down several uncrewed aerial vehicles over the Red Sea today amid a series of attacks launched from Yemen. The engagements came only days after the United States announced a multinational task force meant to counter attacks on commercial ships in the area. 

The USS Laboon, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, shot down four UAVs launched from Yemen toward the ship. The attacks happened between 3 p.m.-8 p.m. local time, according to U.S. Central Command. Shortly after, CENTCOM said, two commercial ships were attacked by UAVs. The M/V Blaamanen, owned by and flying a Norwegian flag, narrowly avoided being hit by a drone, while the Gabon-owned tanker M/V Saibaba, flying under an Indian flag, was hit by a drone. No injures were reported, and the USS Laboon sailed to help them both.  

Read more .... 

USS Laboon Shoots Down Four Drones Launched From Houthi-Controlled Areas In Yemen

USS Laboon shoots down four drones in Red Sea -- Navy Times  

US shoots down 4 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas -- Reuters  

US says warship targeted with drones from Yemen; blames Iran for ship hit near India -- Times of Israel  

US says it downed Houthi drones, as UK brands Iran ‘malign influence’ -- Al Jazeera

Must Watch Rant From gCaptain On The State Of America's Merchant Marine

US coalition is falling apart with rumors France is leaving to go protect 🇫🇷ships while DoD has virtually abandoned 🇺🇸ships idle right NOW within Houthi missile range

I'm also deeply troubled by the sea of US Naval officers & experts here who push back hard on my concerns. pic.twitter.com/qC34UCCSpD

— John Ʌ Konrad V (@johnkonrad) December 21, 2023

WNU Editor: John Konrad is saying what many are choosing to ignore. The gCaptain's website is here (link here).

Pentagon Says More Than 20 Countries Now Part Of US-Led Red Sea Coalition

 

Reuters: More than 20 countries now part of US-led Red Sea coalition, Pentagon says 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A total of more than 20 countries have agreed to participate in the new U.S.-led coalition safeguarding commercial traffic in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement as more nations join the effort, the Pentagon said on Thursday. 

Still, the new Pentagon total would suggest that at least eight of the countries who have signed up have also declined to be publicly named, in a sign of political sensitivities of the operation as regional tensions soar over the Israel-Hamas war. 

"We've had over 20 nations now sign on to participate," Major General Patrick Ryder said, noting declarations by Greece and Australia. 

"We'll allow other countries, defer to them to talk about their participation." 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Not everyone is on board .... Red Sea attacks: Why Arab nations won't join naval coalition (DW). China is also not onboard .... Beijing shrugs at U.S. call for help protecting Red Sea shipping (Politico). 

Pentagon Says More Than 20 Countries Now Part Of US-Led Red Sea Coalition  

More than 20 countries join US-led coalition to protect Red Sea shipping -- France 24 

US creates naval coalition to protect shipping in Red Sea -- Naval Today  

Over 20 countries join coalition to provide security in Red Sea — Pentagon -- TRT World  

Factbox-U.S. Red Sea taskforce gets limited backing from some allies -- Reuters

Can The U.S. Afford Fending-Off Houthi Attacks On Commercial Shipping?

U.S. Navy destroyers have shot down 38 drones and multiple missiles in the Red Sea over the past two months. U.S. Navy  

Politico: A $2M missile vs. a $2,000 drone: Pentagon worried over cost of Houthi attacks 

“That quickly becomes a problem because the most benefit ... is in their favor,” one expert said. As American warships rack up kills against Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea, Pentagon officials are increasingly alarmed not just at the threat to U.S. naval forces and international shipping — but at the growing cost of keeping them safe. 

U.S. Navy destroyers have shot down 38 drones and multiple missiles in the Red Sea over the past two months, according to a Defense Department official, as the Iran-backed militants have stepped up attacks on commercial vessels moving energy and oil through the world’s most vital shipping lanes. On Saturday alone, the destroyer USS Carney intercepted 14 one-way attack drones.

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: It is not only the high cost of missiles that is raising the alarm bells in the Pentagon .... Inflation Is Hitting Ammuntion Prices And Making It Even More Costlier To Arm Ukraine (September 20, 2023).

Reports Say US President Biden Is Contemplating Launching Air Strikes Against Houthi Sites In Yemen

In a televised speech on Wednesday, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi said that his militants would not stand by if the US 'commit foolishness by targeting our country' © Provided by The Telegraph  

Daily Mail: Biden weighs up direct military strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen to avoid the $2million cost per shot of bringing down the rebel group's attack drones in bid to protect trade routes through the Red Sea 

 * The Pentagon is keeping its cards close to its chest amid reports that officials have offered Biden an option for direct military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which could result in a stand off with Iran 

The Biden administration could be looking at another strategy in its battle with the Houthi rebels in Yemen a step further after it emerged that the cost of shooting down one of the group's drones over the Red Sea is around $2 million. 

Earlier this week, the Pentagon announced a ten country coalition that would serve as a deterrent against terror attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea corridor. 

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the pact - which also includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain - early Tuesday in Bahrain.  

Read more .... 

 WNU Editor: Yemen's Houthis are warning that they will retaliate if they are attacked .... Houthi leader threatens to attack US warships if Washington targets Yemen (Reuters). More here .... U.S. Troops Warned of Imminent Attack (Newsweek), and here .... Houthi rebels vow to attack US warships if Red Sea conflict escalates (The Telegraph).  

Update: The Houthis are showing the reach of their drones (see map below).

Pentagon Announces ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ To Deter Houthi Attacks Against Red Sea Shipping

JUST IN: The Pentagon is expected to announce tomorrow the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new task force to protect shipping from Houthi attacks in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea, per DOD official

— Lara Seligman (@laraseligman) December 18, 2023

Warzone/The Drive: Newly Formed Operation Prosperity Guardian To Protect Red Sea Shipping 

A soon to be announced multi-national effort to protect Red Sea shipping comes after the U.S. and U.K. downed 15 Houthi drones Saturday.  

During his visit to the Middle East next week, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will announce the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new international effort deal with Houthi threats, a U.S. military official told The War Zone. That information comes as U.S. and British warships shot down drones the Houthis launched in a wave from Yemen early Saturday morning local time, marking the latest escalation of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Carney downed 14 drones today, a U.S. military official told The War Zone. The Type-45 destroyer HMS Diamond downed one drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea with a Sea Viper missile, U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement. It was the first time the Royal Navy shot down an aerial target in anger since the First Gulf War in 1991 when the Type 42 Destroyer HMS Gloucester destroyed an Iraqi Silkworm missile bound for a U.S. warship. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Houthis are going to respond. 

Pentagon Announces ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ To Deter Houthi Attacks Against Red Sea Shipping

US to announce expanded protection force for Red Sea shipping -- The Guardian  

Pentagon To Launch ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ To Reopen Red Sea Passage -- gCaptain

 'Operation Prosperity Guardian' - Pentagon To Launch Expansive Naval Coalition To Defend Red Sea Passage -- Zero Hedge