A European Union naval mission is expected to launch in the Red Sea mid-February to help defend cargo ship attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Ekathimerini reported that the mission will take place due to the rebels hampering trade and driving up prices. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels are also allegedly responsible for drone and missile attacks on ships over Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Josep Borrell, the EU Foreign Policy Chief, said the purpose of the mission was the “protection of the ships.”
“Intercepting of the attacks against the ships. Not participating in any kind of action against the Houthis. Only blocking the attacks of the Houthis,” he said.
As part of the mission, officials have revealed that seven European countries are prepared to provide ships or planes.
Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on Wednesday that Greece will propose taking command of the forthcoming naval mission in the Red Sea.
Dendias said Greece’s military base in Larissa, central Greece could serve as a potential location for the missions headquarters.
“I informed my counterparts that Greece is offering the Larissa Headquarters as the Headquarters for the Operation, as well as that it is ready to lead the Operation. Our offer was positively received,” he said in a post on X.
Source: Ekathimerini.
