Maritime Insight published on 9 January 2024 an article titled "Sri Lanka to Send Naval Ship to Red Sea for Protecting Ships from Houthi Attacks."
The Sri Lankan Navy said it intends to send a naval vessel to the Red Sea to protect international maritime lanes from Houthi attacks. The announcement seemed to suggest that the ship will become part of the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Foreign Policy published on 8 January 2024 an article titled "Red Sea Shipping Takes Another Blow from Iran" by Elisabeth Braw.
This article reports the arrival in the Red Sea of the Iranian frigate Alborz, which raises concerning questions about its intentions. Iran supports the Houthis in Yemen and is believed to have provided most of the drones and missiles they are using to attack international shipping in the Red Sea. Tehran has used the Alborz in the past to escort Iranian merchant vessels suspected of transporting arms to the Houthis.
