The US has formed a naval force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to protect Red Sea shipping from Yemen’s rebel Houthi attacks. Participating countries include Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, but Egypt and Saudi Arabia are noticeably absent. However, the effectiveness of the operation is yet unclear. Shipping companies, fearing continued disruptions, have started rerouting their vessels. Meanwhile, Republicans have criticized former President Trump for his remarks that immigrants are “poisoning the blood” of the US. Senators such as Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins denounced the comments as “horrible” and “unacceptable.” In Iceland, residents experienced a volcanic eruption that had been anticipated due to significant seismic activity. Despite the concerns, no casualties were reported, and observers were treated to the spectacle of lava fountains reaching up to 300 feet.