Australia will ramp up its military presence in the Red Sea in of support of US and UK strikes against Iran-backed Houthi fighters, as attacks continue to threaten vessels sailing through the major shipping corridor.
Under the newly formed Operation Hydrant, six additional defence force personnel will be deployed to US headquarters to assist allied forces target Iran-backed Houthi militants, who have led more than 45 attacks against commercial and naval ships since mid-November.
The attacks are in solidarity with Hamas in its war against Israel.
British and US forces have been carrying out regular strikes to take out Houthi targets across Yemen in retaliation, which has been supported by a wider coalition of allies that includes Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia would not be sending a warship or a plane to the region but called the increase in troops to shore based roles “significant.”
“The ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels continue to threaten the safety of seafarers, navigational rights and freedoms, and international commerce and maritime security,” Mr Marles said.
“Australia will continue to work with our international partners to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea.”