Brad Cooper heads the United States Navy’s operations in the Middle East, and he has been clear about the trajectory of the conflict around the Red Sea. He stated that the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels show no sign of easing, labeling them reckless and dangerous to international shipping. His assessment comes as an informed briefing to Associated Press, underscoring the seriousness of the threat and the ongoing diplomatic and military response in the region.
Cooper warned that the Houthis will likely continue their threatening actions. The commander emphasised that this is not a temporary phenomenon but a sustained pattern that requires persistent vigilance and coordinated action by the international community.
Amid growing tensions, he also highlighted the increasing participation of nations in the Guardian of Welfare mission, a multinational effort designed to safeguard maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The coalition aims to deter attacks, ensure safe passage for commercial vessels, and provide guidance to ship operators navigating the region.
A spokesperson for the United States Navy indicated expectations that additional countries will join the operation in the coming weeks. The spokesman noted that maritime activity in the area is beginning to rebound as more vessels resume routes through critical shipping lanes.
Cooper stressed that the coalition maintains direct lines of communication with commercial ships to offer practical guidance on maneuvering and best practices intended to reduce risk during transit. The effort also includes close coordination with the broader maritime industry to align security measures with evolving threats and shipping patterns.
Earlier, the Pentagon confirmed that a broader operation was being organized to protect Red Sea routes from Houthi aggression against civilian ships carrying cargo for various global companies. The initiative was christened Guardian of Welfare, signalling a unified international approach to securing one of the world’s busiest chokepoints. Participation spans multiple allies and partners, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and the Seychelles, among others. The scope and scale of this coalition reflect the priority placed on uninterrupted global trade and the safety of seafarers in the region.
There have been reports indicating that not all US allies are prepared to publicly commit to the Guardian of Welfare mission. Some partners have expressed reservations about joining the operation, highlighting the complexities of alliance politics and risk assessments in volatile maritime environments. Despite these reports, the United States and its core partners continue to push for broader engagement and practical support to secure essential shipping routes along the Red Sea corridor.
As the situation develops, observers in Canada and the United States are watching closely how the coalition adapts to new threats and evolving shipping patterns. The emphasis remains on maintaining safe passage for commercial cargo while coordinating with industry stakeholders to mitigate risk and protect crews at sea. The events underscore the importance of international maritime security cooperation in safeguarding global commerce and the livelihoods tied to it. A steady stream of updates and official statements is expected as more nations evaluate their roles and align their naval and diplomatic resources with the Guardian of Welfare framework. The evolving response illustrates how modern navies operate in concert with commercial interests to deter aggression and uphold freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical sea lanes.