EU states give nod for Red Sea mission to deter Houthis

European Union member states have given initial backing to a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement in the Red Sea, European diplomats said on January 16, Report informs referring to Reuters. Many commercial shippers have diverted vessels to other routes following attacks in the Red Sea by the Houthi militants, who control much of Yemen and say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians as Israel and Hamas wage war in Gaza. The diplomats said the bloc's Political and Security Committee, which is responsible for foreign and defence policy. had given its initial support for the mission, which would work with like-minded partners. The objective was to establish it by February 19 at the latest, and to make it operational soon afterwards. Several diplomats said they hoped that the process could be fast-tracked given the tensions in the region.