Greece agrees to lead EU Red Sea naval mission

·

Greece has officially agreed to participate in and lead a European Union maritime security operation in the Red Sea. 

According to AP News, Greece will now be able to protect shipping vessels from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Greece, recognised as a significant maritime shipping power, has directly felt the impact of the Houthi attacks. The port of Piraeus, located near Athens, reported a 12.7% decline in activity at its container terminal in January compared to the previous year.

A security committee headed by Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ordered the participation of a Greek frigate in the Aspides operation – named from the Greek word for “shield” – that was launched last week.

The operation will be run from a military base in Larissa, central Greece and overseen by the Greek navy commander Vasilios Griparis.

Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias spoke about the operation on Monday while on a visit to the navy frigate Hydra at a naval base near Athens.

“We all understand that participation in this operation involves risks, significant risks,” he said.

“Greece, as a maritime power with a leading role in global shipping, attaches great importance to the need to safeguard the freedom of navigation, as well as the life of Greek seafarers.”

Germany, Italy and France will also provide warships for the mission, joining the Hydra, while Italy will assume tactical command, according to Greek officials.

Source: AP News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

How the US military base on Crete helped power the stealth bombing of Iran

A major part of the recent United States airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities unfolded quietly from Souda Bay military base on Crete.

Israel agrees to ceasefire after claiming to neutralise Iran threat

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran has officially come into effect, according to former US President Donald Trump.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch visits survivors of deadly church attack in Syria

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, has visited the site of Sunday’s deadly bombing at the Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus.

Greek women make history at Brisbane Jazz Club

'Girl From Greece,' by singers Mel Lathouras and Katerini Manolatos, is the first Greek-led project to perform at the Brisbane Jazz Club.

Ersin Tatar compares Turkish Cypriots to Palestinians

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has drawn a controversial comparison between Cyprus and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

You May Also Like

Pharos Alliance meets with the Honourable Jenny Mikakos

On the occasion of International Greek Language Day, members of Pharos Alliance recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jenny Mikakos.

‘eBay for rental’: Peter Krideras launches new re-commerce marketplace Releaseit

Peter Krideras and Steve Kulmar have already raised $3m from investors and signed up 30 top retail companies to back their new marketplace.

US and German officials condemn Turkish questions over Greek sovereignty

The US State Department has overnight reiterated that "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greece is not in question.”