ATHENS, Feb 26 (Reuters) – The Greek authorities on Monday accredited the nation’s participation in a European Union naval mission within the Purple Sea to guard service provider ships from assaults by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia, a authorities spokesman mentioned.
Many business shippers have diverted vessels following assaults by the Houthis who management a lot of Yemen and say they’re appearing in solidarity with the Palestinians as Israel and Hamas wage conflict in Gaza.
Greece’s safety council accredited a proposal by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias for participation within the EU mission, authorities spokesman Pavlos Marinakis mentioned in an announcement.
The federal government mentioned it was necessary to hitch the mission because the Houthi assaults have disrupted Greek-owned business vessels’ actions on the nation’s greatest port Piraeus and a few container ships have stopped utilizing it.
A Greek frigate will depart for the Purple Sea within the coming days, a authorities official instructed Reuters on situation of anonymity.
France, Italy and Germany are additionally participating within the EU mission, underneath the code identify “Aspides”, the Greek phrase for shields.
Taking part international locations can be mandated to guard business ships and intercept assaults, however not participate in strikes towards the Houthis on land.
A number of Greek-owned service provider ships have been hit off Yemen since November, struggling damages however no casualties.
(Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas; Enhancing by Angeliki Koutantou and Ed Osmond)
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2024.
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