European Union member states have given initial backing to create a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in the Red Sea, European diplomats said on Tuesday.
Many commercial shippers have diverted vessels to other routes following attacks in the Red Sea by the Houthi terrorists, who control much of Yemen and say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians as Israel and Hamas wage war in Gaza.
The diplomats said the bloc's Political and Security Committee is responsible for foreign and defense policy. had given its initial support for the mission, which would work with like-minded partners.
Action has not yet been taken
The objective was to establish it by Feb. 19 at the latest and to make it operational soon afterward. Several diplomats said they hoped that the process could be fast-tracked, given the tensions in the region.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) declined to comment on confidential discussions.
The United States last month said it and other countries would patrol the Red Sea in a new mission - Operation Prosperity Guardian - to try to allay fears that disruption in one of the world's top trading arteries could hit the global economy.
But some US allies, notably European states, have raised reservations about the plan and balked at the idea of being under US command.