Over 20 countries have agreed to join a U.S.-led coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels, according to Reuters. It is noted that about eight countries that joined the operation have refused to publicly announce their participation due to the political sensitivity of the operation, as regional tensions rise due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. “We’ve had over 20 nations now sign on to participate. We’ll allow other countries, defer to them to talk about their participation,” said Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder. He add…