The EU will launch a naval mission in the Red Sea
European Union member states aim to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea by mid-February to protect merchant ships from attacks by Yemeni fighters, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.
Seven EU countries are ready to participate in the naval mission by providing ships or aircraft, Josep Borrell said, noting that Belgium has already committed to sending a frigate. However, Borrell emphasized that the EU mission will not participate in any military strikes against Yemeni positions. The objective of the naval mission is the protection of ships, the high official of the European Union emphasized. France, Greece and Italy are competing to lead this naval mission. In solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Yemeni Resistance fighters have targeted Israeli ships or those going to and from Israeli ports in the Red Sea. Despite the fact that the United States and its allies have formed a naval coalition in the Red Sea to protect their ships, many shipping companies have suspended the passage of their ships through this waterway and have sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, to South Africa, embarking on a long and costly journey.
