Italy will present the admiral answerable for a European Union Pink Sea naval mission to guard ships from assaults by Yemen’s Houthi militia, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto mentioned on Friday.
Many business shippers have diverted vessels following assaults by the Houthis, who management a lot of Yemen and say they’re performing in solidarity with the Palestinians within the face of Israel’s assault on Gaza.
“The European Union right now requested Italy to provide the Pressure Commander for the Aspides Operation within the Pink Sea,” Crosetto mentioned in a press release.
The EU’s international coverage chief Josep Borrell mentioned on Wednesday he hoped the mission, to be named Aspides – which means “protector” in historic Greek – could possibly be launched on Feb. 17.
Its mandate can be to guard business ships and intercept assaults, however not participate in strikes in opposition to the Houthis, Borrell mentioned.
Crosetto mentioned on Thursday that Greece would most likely take general command of the mission, to be headquartered within the metropolis of Larissa, although this has not but been formally introduced.
(Reuters – Reporting by Angelo Amante; Writing by Gavin Jones; Enhancing by Daniel Wallis)
