The EU wants to participate in a US initiative to secure merchant shipping in the Red Sea. The background is that Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have attacked ships there several times. These must be prevented from going towards Israel.
The Houthis’ goal is to put an end to Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip. Following the attacks, the US government launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, which aims to significantly increase the international military presence in the Red Sea (see video above). Several EU governments have already pledged bilateral support, but Germany and Spain, among others, would like an EU mandate for participation.
Foreign representative Josep Borrell is said to have already presented a proposal on how the mandate of the existing anti-piracy operation Atalanta could be expanded. So far, only the Spanish government has expressed reservations.
Warships could keep an eye on the sea
According to diplomats, the proposal is that warships from EU countries could help monitor the Red Sea. In addition, it is also conceivable that merchant ships will be accompanied by naval units that have defense systems against missiles and drones.
However, the EU is considered unlikely to engage in proactive military operations against Houthi rebels. Atalanta’s mission is to deter and combat pirates off the coast of Somalia and to enable the transport of humanitarian aid to the crisis country.
Thousands of people have already taken to the streets in Yemen to protest against the new military coalition. The Houthis warned countries against joining the alliance, saying any hostile action would be responded to. According to American information, Great Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the Seychelles are also participating in the coalition.
Source: Krone
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