Spain’s defense minister has announced that his country will not take part in the international mission against the Houthis in the Red Sea.
“Spain’s position, out of a sense of responsibility and commitment to peace, is not to intervene in the Red Sea,” Minister Margarita Robles told the media.
Robles added that the Spanish navy is coordinating with 17 other missions, highlighting the “very tough” fight against pirates in the western Indian Ocean.
The defense secretary reiterated that Spain would not take part in the US-led operation that carried out attacks against the Houthis in Yemen on Thursday.
The EU is considering launching its own mission in the Red Sea to help thwart Houthi attacks, but he also ruled out Spain’s involvement. But Robles added that Spain would not oppose such a mission.
Regarding the U.S.-led attack on the Houthis, Spain said it “does not want to criticize the actions of other countries.”
Robles also said Madrid was under no pressure from the United States to join the mission.
When the US government first announced Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect shipping in the Red Sea, it listed Spain as one of the participating countries. However, Madrid quickly silenced the claims.
According to Spanish daily El Mundo, a Spanish Defense Ministry official said the Biden administration had apologized for the mistake.
European and Spanish media reported that the EU could decide whether to launch another mission as soon as its foreign ministers meet on January 22 in Brussels.