14-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) In the midst of escalating tensions in the Red Sea, Singapore has clarified its non-participation in military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) asserted that while Singapore did not join the military offensive, it is actively involved in a multinational effort to safeguard ships in the region.
Responding to queries on January 13, Mindef issued a statement confirming the participation of Singaporean troops in Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG). This international maritime security force is specifically formed to counter attacks on shipping vessels by Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
The statement emphatically clarified, “OPG is unrelated to the military strikes against the Houthis.”
The involvement of Singapore in this operation gained prominence in December when the Singapore-flagged Danish container ship Maersk Hangzhou fell victim to a Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea. In a swift response, two United States destroyers answered the distress call, successfully intercepting two anti-ship ballistic missiles aimed at the ships.
Attributing their actions to support for the Palestinian armed group Hamas in its conflict with Israel, Houthi rebels declared their intention to target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of nationality. In response, the international community, particularly the United States and Britain, intensified their efforts against the Houthi threat.
On December 31, US helicopters made a significant move by directly striking Houthi forces, sinking three boats and eliminating fighters attempting to board a ship. Subsequently, on January 9, the US and Britain jointly thwarted 21 missiles and drones in what they termed the most extensive Houthi attack on their warships in the region. This prompted both nations to launch air and sea strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen on January 12.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen addressed the situation in Parliament on January 9, revealing that the Houthi attacks led to the suspension of transit through the Red Sea by all five of the world’s largest shipping firms. Recognizing the severity of the situation, he announced Singapore’s commitment to dispatch a team from the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Information Fusion Centre to facilitate information sharing. Additionally, a team of planners will collaborate with international partners on operational plans.
Mindef’s statement underscored that OPG operates under the purview of the 39-nation Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain. Among its missions is the Combined Task Force 153: Red Sea Maritime Security, involving over 20 countries. This task force focuses on safeguarding shipping vessels through measures like information sharing and maritime patrols, acknowledging the strategic importance of the Red Sea, where approximately 12% of the world’s seaborne trade transits.
