Context: The US Secretary of State announced a joint maritime security initiative called Operation Prosperity Guardian to aid the safe movement of ships in the Red Sea. This follows missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.

About:

• Countries Involved: The U.K., Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain are participating.
• Joint Patrols: These nations will conduct joint patrols in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden

Significance of the Operation

• Impact on Suez Canal Traffic: The turmoil is influencing approximately 12% of the global shipping traffic that traverses the Suez Canal.
• Rerouting and Economic Consequences: Shipping companies are opting for alternative routes, resulting in escalated expenses and prolonged delays.