In a significant move, Bahrain has publicly announced its participation in the US-led multinational force established to protect the Red Sea from Houthi militants’ attacks, also known as Ansarullah fighters. This collaboration comes in response to escalating threats by the Houthis, who vowed to halt shipments and vessel passages towards Israel through the Red Sea unless Israeli actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and other occupied territories cease.
The Houthis recently targeted Israel-linked ships, hijacking the Galaxy Leader on Nov 20, 2023, and transforming it into a “tourist spot.” Subsequent attacks on vessels, including those of the prominent shipping company Maersk on Dec 15, 2023, prompted the suspension of its vessels’ passage through the Red Sea strait.
On December 18, 2023, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational security initiative under the Combined Maritime Forces’ umbrella and Task Force 153’s leadership, focusing on Red Sea security.
Bahrain’s decision to publicly join this force is noteworthy, considering the global outcry over US support for Israel. Bahrain, alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has diplomatic and business ties with Israel, making it one of the few Arab nations with such relations.
Despite widespread calls to sever ties with Israel, Bahrain has chosen to align with the US-led force. In November, the Bahraini Parliament passed a resolution leading to the departure of the Israeli Ambassador from the country. However, Israel maintains that its ties with Bahrain remain “strong and stable.”
Alongside Bahrain, other countries contributing to the US-led multinational force in the Red Sea include the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain.
Despite US pressure, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have yet to join the Red Sea force. Reports suggest that additional countries have agreed to participate but prefer not to be publicly named, underscoring the delicate geopolitical dynamics surrounding this collaborative security effort.
The United States, while blocking UN Security Council resolutions against Israel, has paradoxically called for UN action against the Houthis. This development raises questions about the evolving alliances and strategies in the Red Sea region, emphasizing the importance of collective international efforts to address security challenges.
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