Answer: Curb maritime security problems by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea region
Notes: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new US-led multinational security initiative under the Combined Maritime Forces, focusing on maritime security challenges in the Red Sea region. This comes following recent attacks on commercial shipping by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels based in Yemen using drones and missiles. The operation aims to ensure freedom of navigation in response to the escalating security crisis. Before that, the Swan Atlantic, a Cayman Islands-flagged chemical/oil tanker, sent out a mayday call after being attacked by drones and an anti-ship missile launched by Houthi rebels while transiting the Red Sea on December 18th. The US Navy destroyer USS Carney responded to assist the vessel and assess damages.
