Greek frigate departs to join EU Red Sea mission (updated)

Piraeus Port Authority SA

26/02/2024 21:07

(Rewrites first paragraph with frigate Hydra departing from
Greece)
       ATHENS, Feb 26 (Reuters) - 
    Greece's frigate Hydra departed for the Red Sea on Monday to
participate in a mission to protect merchant ships from attacks
by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia, a defence ministry
official said.
    Earlier on Monday, the Greek government approved the
country's participation in the European Union naval mission
dubbed Eunavfor Aspides in the Red Sea.  
    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. 
    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, Ed Osmond and Marguerita Choy)
 ((lefteris.papadimas@thomsonreuters.com; +30 210 3376477;
Reuters Messaging: lefteris.papadimas.reuters.com@reuters.net))