US tries to persuade shippers to sail Red Sea despite Houthi attacks
US military is trying to reassure shipping companies that a multinational force is making it safe to sail through the Red Sea and Suez Canal even though attacks from Yemen-based Houthi rebels show no sign of stopping.
The Pentagon is «engaged with industry on a near-daily basis to gauge needs and provide reassurance that the international community is there to help with safe passage,» Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bryon McGarry, a defence department spokesperson for the Middle East and Africa, said Thursday in an emailed response to questions.
So far, that's not proving enough for most shipping lines.
«It will take a little while for shippers to get a sense about the security situation,» said Mark Cancian, a retired Marine officer and senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. «If it turns out that the US and the coalition can maintain safe passage, then I think they'll come back. But right now they really can't be sure.»
