Belgium will reportedly supply vessels to an EU mission to protect Red Sea shipping from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have been targeting ships in the region since November, impacting commerce on the route, which accounts for 15% of global shipping traffic. The Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians during Israel’s war with the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis control much of Yemen, amid a war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, following attacks in the Red Sea by the Houthis, who say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians. Many commercial shippers are diverting ships to other routes.
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Although Iranian-backed groups claim to only target vessels with ties to Israel, ships with no clear ties to Israel have also been attacked.
European Union member states recently gave their first support to a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi militia in the Red Sea, European diplomats said after the start of a US-led mission in the region. announced on Tuesday.
The Houthi militants, who control much of Yemen and who say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians, have attacked in the Red Sea as Israel and Hamas wage war in Gaza. , many commercial shippers are diverting ships to other routes.
Information provided by the agency.