In response to the attacks, the U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin announced the multi-national task force would include Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Seychelles, and the U.K.
Houthi rebels have increased the frequency of attacks against civilian ships in the Red Sea, utilising drones and various types of missiles. Recently, MV Platinum III was hit by a Houthi missile. The U.S. and U.K. navies made a statement that 15 drones were shot down in the region.
As reported by Al Jazeera, 12 shipping companies halted transits going through the Red Sea after the attacks. Halting of transits through the Red Sea led to re-routing to Africa. The change in route will significantly increase the delivery times and costs for the companies because of longer distances.
