The US Secretary of Defense announced the formation of a multinational force to protect trade in the Red Sea in the wake of the Houthi attacks

The US Secretary of Defense said: We announce a multinational operation to protect trade in the Red Sea in the wake of the Houthi attacks

He indicated that the countries participating in the force will carry out joint patrols in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden

He explained that the countries participating in the force include Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain.

Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Egypt and many other countries were absent from this alliance