The European Union is proposing to expand the mandate of its counter-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa to assist the new US-led operation to combat attacks on Red Sea shipping mounted by Yemen's Houthis, dpa has learned.
EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell has put forward a proposal to expand the Atalanta mission off the Somali coast that is currently being considered by the bloc's 27 members.
During a meeting of the EU's security committee on the issue on Thursday, only Spain is reported to have had reservations. Brussels diplomats believe that these are based on differences of opinion in Madrid and can soon be resolved.
Operation Prosperity Guardian, which has been initiated by the United States, aims to boost the international military presence in the Red Sea following rocket and drone attacks on commercial shipping by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.
The Houthis are attacking shipping they see as linked to Israel as part of efforts to support Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
A number of EU member states have offered bilateral support to the US initiative, but countries including Spain and Germany are seeking an EU mandate to allow the navies of member states to participate in monitoring the Red Sea.
Escorting commercial ships with naval vessels carrying defensive systems against missiles and drones is also being considered. Military action targeting the Houthis is not thought to be under consideration.
Spain's Defense Ministry has noted that continuing Operation Atalanta remains important, as there have recently been several attacks on ships.
