European Union member states have given their initial approval to a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, European diplomats announced on Tuesday, following the launch of a US-led mission in the region.
The mission aims to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The operation is expected to be operational by February 19.
The process can be expedited given the tensions in the region. The matter will be discussed by foreign ministers on January 22. The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s diplomatic arm which proposed the mission, declined to comment on confidential discussions.
Enforcing the right to freedom of navigation
The main aim is to deter attacks by Houthi rebels and safeguard the crucial trade route across the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Offensives have multiplied in recent weeks. 29 is the number of missile strikes and drone attacks carried out by the Houthis since November 19 near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strait separates the Arabian Peninsula from Africa. It is the transit route for 12% of maritime trade, according to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
Much of the EU’s trade with Asia transits the Red Sea and Suez Canal, and a growing number of shipping lines have been diverted via South Africa, slowing trade and increasing costs.
Maritime cooperation!
Several European countries are expected to contribute warships to the mission. Three European diplomats said the mission would initially see three ships under EU command as part of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).
The EU mission will work in synergy with the US-led “Prosperity Guardian” mission, sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to ensure maximum impact. The mission will also address crucial aspects such as rules of engagement and how it links up with other EU missions in the region.
France and Italy already have warships in the region. Germany is considering sending the frigate Hesse.
The FREMM Languedoc has already shot down drones threatening maritime trade in the Red Sea. France has stated that her warship is already coordinating with the US-led mission and sharing intelligence.
Italy, Spain and France stood out last week by not taking part in US and UK strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, and by not signing a statement issued by 10 countries justifying the attacks.
The new EU naval mission could be based on AGENOR, a French-led European mission in the Persian Gulf, which is the military component of the European Maritime Surveillance Initiative in the Strait of Ormuz (EMASoH).
