Red Sea Shipping Faces Heightened Security Measures Amidst Houthi Threats

The US is set to announce the launch of an expanded maritime protection force, called Operation Prosperity Guardian, involving Arab states to combat Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. This comes as five major shipping companies have suspended their ships from using the Red Sea due to the attacks. The force aims to reassure commercial shipping companies and maintain the safety of the Red Sea for shipping. The US has sought the involvement of several Arab states, including Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, and Bahrain.