US Sees Red Sea Military Alliance Fall Apart

The U.S. military mission in the troubled Red Sea has seen a major setback in recent days, as Spain, Italy, France and Australia have declined to participate in the Pentagon’s “Operation Prosperity Guardian.” The development raises questions about the efficacy of U.S. leadership in ensuring security in one of the world’s most critical trade routes.

Prosperity Guardian was initiated by the Pentagon with the mission of shielding commercial vessels from Houthi rebel drone and missile attacks in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. 

The operation’s plan of action called for increased warship patrols by the U.S. and its allies in order to provide a security zone for civilian shipping throughout the region. While reports indicate that around 20 nations have agreed to participate in Operation Prosperity Guardian, the major allies who have said they have decided to stay out of the effort appear to make the mission unfeasible.

Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles told reporters that his nation’s strategic focus on its region will see an overall shift away from U.S.-led operations. Similarly, Spain’s Defence Ministry said it will give preference to NATO-led or European-coordinated missions over ones commanded through the Pentagon.

Italy has also declined the invitation to participate in the Pentagon’s operation. It has instead deployed a naval frigate to the Red Sea and has said it will only be responding to requests for assistance from Italian-owned ships.  

The French Defence Ministry has also expressed skepticism about Prosperity Guardian. While the French say they support joint efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, it will not enter into an agreement that takes its ships away from French command. France has a naval base in the United Arab Emirates and troops stationed in Djibouti as part of its Red Sea force.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin gave a press statement last week announcing the new coalition. He noted the participation of American allies, including Britain and Canada. However, the reluctance of major allies to agree to the U.S.-led structure represents a significant diplomatic challenge for the Biden administration.

The Pentagon’s Red Sea strategy now faces a critical juncture as major allies are opting for regional or national security measures over U.S.-led initiatives.