The European Union (EU) has agreed to contribute to the United States’ operation to protect commercial maritime transport in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
“We will intensify our information sharing and increase our presence with additional naval assets. This demonstrates the EU’s role as a maritime security provider,” EU high representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell said on X (formerly Twitter) overnight.
The decision was adopted by the 27 EU nations during a meeting convened by bloc’s top diplomat on Wednesday.
Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on Oct. 7, the Houthis have launched several rounds of missiles and drones against southern Israel in support of the Hamas militants.
The rebels, backed by Iran, have also struck ships bearing the Israeli flag or owned by Israeli companies in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait (connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden).
Earlier this week, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for global unity against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
In a virtual meeting with defense chiefs and senior representatives of 43 countries, Austin reaffirmed the US commitment to freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce.
The Pentagon announced Monday a military coalition of 10 countries, including the US, the United Kingdom, and Spain, to counter Houthi attacks.
Since Friday, major shipping groups have been announcing a suspension of their operations in the Red Sea, while BP has temporarily canceled the passage of their vessels in the area.
Currently, 10 to 15 percent of global trade passes through the Red Sea, and international shipping companies are having to reroute through the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to the delivery of key goods and materials, including oil and gas, according to the US defense ministry.
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