The European Union is set to launch a full naval mission to protect cargo ships in the Red Sea from the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist group, whose latest attack – threatening a US airliner – was intercepted and destroyed.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Wednesday the fleet would set sail within three weeks, with seven European countries ready to provide ships and planes to protect the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
“That is the objective: to protect the ships. Interception of attacks against ships,” Borrell told reporters before an EU meeting in Brussels.
Borrell stressed that the naval fleet would only be dedicated to protecting cargo ships sailing through the Red Sea and would not engage in direct combat with the Houthis.
France, Greece and Italy are especially competing for the role of leading the naval effort against Houthi attacks.
The European Union will deploy a naval mission to the Red Sea following a Houthi attack on a British oil tanker over the weekend. via REUTERS The Houthis have welcomed an all-out conflict against the UK and US, and a recent rally in Yemen brought together thousands of people to celebrate the attacks in the Red Sea. YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Borrell said the need to increase protection in the Red Sea was driven by demands from companies shipping cargo through the area, a key trade route connecting Europe and Asia that has been plagued by Iranian-backed militants.
“Many European companies asked us to do that because their business model is suffering a lot due to high cost increases and having to go to South Africa,” he said. “It is affecting prices, it is affecting inflation. Therefore, it is a natural effort for us to try to avoid this risk.”
The EU move came as the United States on Wednesday intercepted another Houthi missile attack targeting American assets.
The Iran-backed rebel group has launched almost daily attacks on cargo and warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. fake images
The United States successfully attacked a Houthi surface-to-air missile in Yemen that was prepared to launch and posed “an imminent threat to U.S. aircraft operating in the region,” according to Central Command.
The United States also intercepted another anti-ship cruise missile Tuesday night that was targeting the USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. There were no injuries or damage to the ship as a result of the attack, Central Command said.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it “a victory for the oppression of the Palestinian people and a response to US-British aggression against our country.”
The USS Gravely was the target of a Houthi attack on Tuesday, and the rebel missile was intercepted. us navy
The terrorist group appeared to reference coordinated US and UK airstrikes against Houthi bases in Yemen to hinder their attacks in the Red Sea.
The Iran-backed terrorist group has reveled in the idea of fighting the United States and its allies, with Houthi commander Muhammad al-Attifi stating that all of Yemen would be prepared for war.
“We are prepared for a long-term confrontation with the forces of tyranny,” al-Attifi said in a statement earlier this week.
“The Americans, the British and those who coordinated with them must realize the power of the Yemeni sovereign decision and that there is no debate or dispute about it,” he added.
With post cables
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Source: vtt.edu.vn