Australia to lead international Red Sea operation

Australia will lead Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153) for six months starting in October, the Department of Defence announced on Friday. Established in April 2022, CTF 153 focuses on maritime security in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.

The move comes amid ongoing tensions in the region after Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted shipping to disrupt Israeli operations following a Hamas attack on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7. Last year, Albanese’s government was criticized for rejecting U.S. requests to deploy warships to provide maritime security in the Middle East.

Deputy Commander of Joint Operations Command, Admiral Justin Jones, said leading CTF 153 underlined Australia’s commitment to upholding international maritime rules and security. “This command role is an important milestone in our commitment to maritime safety and security,” Jones said.

Jennifer Parker, an expert at the Australian National University, said the command will provide Australian naval personnel with valuable combat experience and enhance their ability to respond to global maritime crises.