US allies reluctant on Red Sea force amid Gaza fury

STORY: [Lloyd Austin] "We’ve launched Operation Prosperity Guardian."

The United States announced the launch of a new international maritime force in response to Yemen's Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.

But just over a week after the launch, many U.S. allies don't want to be associated with it publicly, or at all.

The Pentagon says 20 countries have signed up for the the defensive coalition, Operation Prosperity Guardian.

It aims to ensure billions of dollars' worth of commerce can flow freely through a vital shipping chokepoint in the Red Sea, as the Houthis try to inflict an international cost over Israel's campaign in Gaza.

But nearly half of those countries have so far not come forward to acknowledge their contributions, or allowed the U.S. to do so.

The Iran-backed Houthis have attacked or seized a dozen ships with missiles and drones since November 19.

The EU has signaled its support of the maritime task force with a joint statement condemning the Houthi attacks.

Italy and Spain issued statements appearing to distance themselves from the maritime force.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have proclaimed no interest in the venture.

The reluctance is partly explained by public anger over Israel's Gaza offensive, launched after the October 7 rampage in southern Israel by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people.

There is also the risk that participating countries become subject to Houthi retaliation.

That appears to be the case for India, which is unlikely to join the U.S. operation, according to a senior Indian military official.

Many European and Gulf countries already participate in one of several U.S.-led military groups in the Middle East.

Some countries not formally joining the Red Sea maritime task force could still coordinate patrols with the U.S. navy.