Greece approves military participation in EU Red Sea mission

Piraeus Port Authority SA

26/02/2024 12:25

ATHENS, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The Greek government on
Monday approved the country's participation in a European Union
naval mission in the Red Sea to protect merchant ships from
attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia, a government
spokesman said.
    Many commercial shippers have diverted vessels following
attacks by the Houthis who control much of Yemen and say they
are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians as Israel and
Hamas wage war in Gaza.
    Greece's security council approved a proposal by Defence
Minister Nikos Dendias for participation in the EU mission,
government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said in a statement. 
    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.

 (Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas; Editing by Angeliki Koutantou
and Ed Osmond)
 ((lefteris.papadimas@thomsonreuters.com; +30 210 3376477;
Reuters Messaging: lefteris.papadimas.reuters.com@reuters.net))