 "Red Sea crisis: Greece approves military participation in EU naval mission")
The Greek government on Monday approved the country’s involvement in a European Union naval operation in the Red Sea. This mission aims to safeguard merchant vessels from attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, a government spokesperson said.
The decision follows increased concerns among commercial shippers, who have altered their routes due to attacks by the Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen.
The Greek Security Council, upon a proposal by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, approved Greece’s participation in the EU mission, according to government statements.
The government said it was important to join the mission as the Houthi attacks have disrupted Greek-owned commercial vessels’ activities at the country’s biggest port Piraeus and some container ships have stopped using it.
A Greek frigate will depart for the Red Sea in the coming days, a government official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
France, Italy and Germany are also taking part in the EU mission, under the code name “Aspides”, the Greek word for shields.
Participating countries will be mandated to protect commercial ships and intercept attacks, but not take part in strikes against the Houthis on land.
Several Greek-owned merchant ships have been hit off Yemen since November, suffering damages but no casualties.
With inputs from Reuters.