The EU proposed its own mission in the Red Sea in response to Houthi attacks, as demanded by Spain

proposed the formation of the European Union A new naval mission in the Red Sea Published by Al Pais, in response to increased attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, with support from Iran. The proposal comes at a critical time, as the rebels have expressed their intention to continue their campaign in one of the world’s most important sea lanes until Israel ends its offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

The mission will be in line with a confidential proposal that Brussels has sent to member states independent of those declared by the United Statesis called Protector of Prosperity, but will cooperate with it by sharing sensitive and classified information. This new international deployment under a European flag, designed by the EU External Action Service (EEAS), will include at least three anti-aircraft destroyers or frigates with multi-mission capabilities and will have an estimated annual budget of 5.1 million euros.

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Spain, which at the end of December Refused to extend the mission AtlantaIts purpose is to combat piracy in the waters near Somalia and in which it currently participates with a frigate victory, calling for the creation of an entirely new European operation to patrol the militant-infested region of Yemen and instead. With the initiative already on the table, Madrid, like the rest of the European capitals, will evaluate its potential alliance. The new mission is expected to be approved at a January 22 Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels and, if authorized, could become operational in February.

The EEAS has warned of a significant reduction in maritime security in the Red Sea, escalating the situation to unprecedented levels following indiscriminate and targeted attacks on ships loosely linked to Israel. It was in the last week of last year Over 24 raids. In addition, armed clashes between the Houthis and the United States have resulted in casualties, indicating rising tensions in the region.

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The duration of the proposal for the new European mission will be one year and two types will be considered: one with a special focus on the Red Sea and another with a broader scope that includes the waters of the Red Sea. Arabian Sea and Strait and Gulf of Hormuz. The operation will seek to benefit from the experience gained in other European missions in the area, Agenerwhich oversees more than 400 ships a day in the Strait of Hormuz.

The EU expects the new mission to fulfill its tasks Continuous analysis and monitoringas well as commercial vessels that require protection, in close coordination with all allies and other military operations in the region Protector of Prosperity And Atlanta. This initiative thus reflects the European commitment to international maritime security and stability on key issues for global trade.