Singapore And Sri Lanka Will Join US Coalition In The Red Sea

US Navy/ILLUSTRATION OF UNSPLASH/Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

JAKARTA - Singapore and Sri Lanka will join the US-led international coalition to maintain security in the Red Sea amid the Yemeni Houthi group's attacks on commercial ships in the waters.

In a statement, Singapore's Ministry of Defense said it would participate in the Prosperous Guard Operation to counter Houthi attacks and secure maritime routes in the Red Sea.

"This is part of an effort to guarantee freedom of navigation on this important global sea connecting route," the statement said.

Singapore will not deploy any vessels, but will contribute personnel to information sharing and planning led by a national representative.

The Iran-backed Houthi armed group in Yemen is increasing their involvement in the conflict in the Gaza Strip by attacking what they call ships bound for Israel in the southern red Sea.

They said the attack was aimed at supporting Palestinians who were facing Israel's aggression and blockade in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the most frequently used sea routes in the world for oil and fuel shipments.

Sri Lanka will also participate in the US-led operation, although the move has drawn criticism from the public because the country is still experiencing an economic crisis.

Sri Lankan Navy Captain Wickramasuriya told NewsWire that their maritime forces will deploy its ships to protect international waters including the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Aden Bay, and surrounding marine routes used by merchant ships.

Sri Lankan Navy warships will be deployed according to the president's orders, but the exact date of departure has yet to be confirmed, he added.

However, the announcement sparked debate in parliament, where the opposition questioned what benefits Sri Lanka would gain if it participated in operations against the Houthis.

Sri Lankan lawmaker Sajith Premadasa said the deployment of a naval vessel would cost around 250 million Sri Lankan Rupees (around Rp. 12 billion) and would increase the burden on the state's debt.

Has Sri Lanka reached an agreement to pay off its debts to foreign countries? asked Premadasa.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Defense Minister Premitha Tennakoon Airport confirmed the move had nothing to do with the US or Israel".

"If Sri Lankan merchant ships do not pass through the Red Sea and use the South African coast, this will cause a significant increase in the price of goods," he said.

Earlier, India and Pakistan said they had deployed their naval arsenal to ensure maritime security in the Arabian Sea, although the two rivals in South Asia did not join the US-led operation.

On the other hand, Australia rejected the US request to send its warships to the Red Sea to fight the Houthis, and Australia only agreed to increase its troop numbers.