From Fortune:

Since Operation Prosperity Guardian began, 1,200 merchant ships have traveled through the Red Sea. Despite the attacks, none had been damaged until a missile collision late Saturday. Denmark announced that it plans to send a frigate to that mission, and many other countries are expected to join soon.

The Iran-backed Houthis fired on a container ship in two separate incidents over the weekend, drawing a U.S. military response. Many shipping companies ordered their vessels to hold until the safety improved. Some were sending their ships around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, adding time and costs to the journeys.

There are currently five warships from the U.S., France, and the U.K. patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea. Since the operation started, the ships have shot down a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles.

Four Houthi boats fired at a container ship in the Red Sea, after the ship was hit by a missile. The U.S forces on two helicopters responded to the distress call and sank three of the Houthi vessels.

Austin condemned the attacks as unacceptable and destabilizing to international order and global commerce. More than 20 nations are participating in the security mission.

Cooper said the coalition is in direct communication with commercial ships to provide guidance on avoiding being attacked and is working closely with the shipping industry to provide security.

Regarding the Houthis, Cooper said“We are cleareyed that the Houthi reckless attacks will likely continue. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, they have increased their use of anti-ship ballistic missiles.

The Houthi threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel. That has escalated to apparently any vessel, with container ships and oil tankers flagged to countries such as Norway and Liberia being attacked or drawing missile fire.

Maersk announced Dec. 25 that it was going to resume sending ships through the strait, citing the operation. Cooper said another shipping company had also resumed using the route.



Read more: U.S. Navy kills Houthi rebels attacking Maersk Ship in Red Sea