Greece will join a US-led coalition to safeguard the Red Sea’s shipping route from Houthis, as announced by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias on Thursday. A Greek navy frigate, acting on orders from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will be part of the task force, according to the minister.

Given Greece’s status as a leading shipping nation, Dendias emphasized that the country has a “fundamental interest” in addressing the “massive threat” posed to global maritime transport.

The task force, initially announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday, includes countries such as Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.

The Iran-backed Houthis claim that their missile and drone strikes on passing container ships support Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza war between Israel and the militant group Hamas since October 7. These attacks in waters leading to the Suez Canal, a chokepoint for about 10 percent of global trade, have compelled many shipping companies to divert their vessels.

Miroslava Salazar, with AFP

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