EU Considers Expanding Mission on Somalia Coast Amid Red Sea Security Concerns

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Giuseppe Borrell, has submitted a proposal to expand the mission on the coast of Somalia, which is currently being considered by the bloc’s 27 member states.

At the meeting of the EU security committee on this issue on Thursday, only Spain expressed objections, but diplomats in Brussels believe that the situation can be resolved.

The US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian aims to increase the international military presence in the Red Sea.

Since the start of the war between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, the Iran-backed Shiite rebels, the Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have stepped up attacks on tankers, cargo ships and other vessels in the Red Sea, threatening the transit route through which 12 percent of global trade is carried. The Houthis have said that any ship bound for Israel, regardless of its nationality, will be a “legitimate target” until the Gaza Strip receives the food and medicine it needs.

Several EU member states have offered their support for the US initiative, but Spain, Germany and others are pushing for an EU mandate that would allow member states’ navies to participate in monitoring the Red Sea.

Escorting commercial ships with naval vessels equipped with anti-missile and anti-drone defense systems is also being considered.

2023-12-22 20:15:00
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