Australia will send six more military personnel to the Middle East to help allied forces fight Houthi rebels.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that these additional ADF members would join the US and UK-led allies in their headquarters “in the next couple of days.”
“Additional ADF personnel will deploy to support strike action on Houthi targets in Yemen under the newly formed Operation Hydranth. These personnel will be embedded staff within US operational headquarters.”
Houthi extremists have continuously attacked shipping vessels in the Red Sea.
Since January 2024, Australia has provided support to coalition strikes aimed at protecting international shipping transiting the Red Sea.
The strikes on Houthi targets to date have degraded their capabilities; however these illegal attacks continue to threaten mariners and vessels.
Mr Marles added:
“The ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels continue to threaten the safety of seafarers, navigational rights and freedoms, and international commerce and maritime security. Australia will continue to work with our international partners to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea.”
The US and UK have conducted additional joint defensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Australia alongside the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, Denmark, and New Zealand have provided support.
This increased commitment under Operation Hydranth is separate to Australia’s contribution of up to 16 ADF personnel deployed to support the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, under Operation Manitou.
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