The plans for an EU naval mission in the Red Sea will concern foreign ministers of the 27 member states for the first time at a meeting in Brussels on Monday. The mission is intended to help secure merchant ships from attacks by the Houthi militia in Yemen.
What is it about?
Shipping on the Red Sea is partially at a standstill. The reason for this is attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since early October, they have attacked a number of merchant ships in the Red Sea with missiles and drones. The militia sees itself as part of the ‘Axis of Resistance’ in the war in the Middle East against Israel. Warships from an international coalition led by the US have been trying to secure the route along the Yemeni coast since December.
What is the EU planning?
According to diplomats, representatives of EU countries this week gave a fundamental green light for their own naval mission. There is talk of three warships, along with accompanying aircraft such as helicopters and drones. They are supposed to escort merchant ships in the Red Sea. This should act independently of the international coalition, because countries such as France do not want to place their armed forces under American command. Germany could send the frigate “Hessen”, but has not yet officially confirmed this. The “Hessen” was last deployed for NATO in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. It has a crew of 245 soldiers.
Who else is there?
Belgium and the Netherlands could also send warships, media reports say. Moreover, France and Italy have generally expressed support. According to information from the EU, Norway is also expected to participate.
Are attacks on the Houthis planned?
No, the mission must be purely defensive, as they say in Brussels and Berlin. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Berlin made it clear that “attacking Houthi positions on land” was not part of the plans. The US and Britain, on the other hand, have been attacking the Houthi rebels from the air since last week. According to the EU, there are also no plans to intercept missiles that could be aimed directly at Israel.
What else is known about the mandate?
According to diplomats, the EU initially plans a one-year mandate. It is still unclear whether an entirely new naval mission will be launched.
What would be the alternative?
The EU could also expand Agenor’s existing naval surveillance mission in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Brussels diplomats. The French-led mission has been protecting merchant ships from Iranian attacks since 2020. It is supported by nine other European countries.
When will the EU decide on the mission?
No decision is expected in Brussels on Monday because the details are not yet ready for a decision. Diplomats expect the vote at the latest at the next meeting of foreign ministers on February 19. That would be more than four months after the Houthi attacks began. Several states are therefore urging us to act hastily. (sda/afp)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
