Greek government sends warships to Red Sea against Houthis

Greece will send warships to the Red Sea to take part in a coalition created by the US to fight the threat from Yemen’s Houthis.

In particular, at a meeting with journalists, commenting on the escalation of attacks by Yemeni rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea, Minister of Shipping and Insurance Policy Christos Stylianides said that this is a serious problem. He added that Greece is ready to participate in any international initiative to ensure the safety of navigation.

Stylianides commented on the decision of the American side to announce on Monday the creation of a coalition in the Red Sea called “Guardian of Prosperity” (“Φύλακας της Ευημερίας”)which involves 10 states to counter attacks by Shiite rebels on merchant ships.

He said that the Ministry of Maritime and Island Affairs is already in contact with officials EU and the USA. The minister emphasized that warships are already patrolling this area of ​​the sea, ensuring the passage of ships. He also expressed confidence that thanks to such initiatives and determination, the situation in this area of ​​the sea will be brought under control.

Commenting on the decision of major shipping companies to re-route some ships around southern Africa, temporarily suspending the passage of ships from the area for security reasons, Christos Stylianides noted that this would significantly increase the operating costs of ships and lead to higher product prices for the end consumer.

On Monday, the US Secretary of Defense announced the creation coalition of 10 countries in the Red Sea to combat repeated attacks by Yemeni Shiite rebels on ships they claim are “linked” to Israel.

As Lloyd Austin clarified in a press release issued by his office at the Pentagon, in addition to the United States, the alliance includes France, Great Britain, Bahrain, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Great Britain and the Seychelles.

“The recent escalation of irresponsible attacks Houthis from Yemen threaten the free flow of trade, endanger the lives of innocent sailors and violate international law.”– the message emphasizes. “That is why today (Monday) I am announcing the start of Operation Prosperity Guardian.”– added the US Secretary of Defense.

During his visit to Israel, Lloyd Austin earlier demanded Iran stop what he called its “support” for Houthi operations against merchant ships after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel was not mentioned by the Pentagon chief when he announced this alliance in the Red Sea.

In 2019, Washington announced a naval coalition to protect shipping in Persian Gulf waters following a series of attacks that the US blamed on Iran, which denies responsibility.

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