Denmark to send frigate to join US-led naval operation in Red Sea

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) - Denmark has pledged to send a frigate to participate in the US-led naval operation in the Red Sea next month, the Danish Defense Minister said Friday.

In a response to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the US, together with Australia, Canada and several European and Middle Eastern allies, agreed earlier this month to form the Prosperity Guardian naval coalition to guard the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to ensure the free flow of commerce through waters off Yemen.

“We are concerned about the serious situation unfolding in the Red Sea,” where Houthi attacks against shipping continue, said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. “Denmark already contributes to maritime security in the area, and the government wants to increase the contribution by deploying a Danish frigate.”

The decision comes as Houthi militants have intensified drone and missile attacks on ships in the southern Red Sea leading to a significant rise in shipping costs, forcing vessels to reroute around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.

Several countries including France, Spain and Italy have refused to join the maritime force because of fears of potential retaliation from Houthi attacks and concerns about the Israeli war on Gaza.

Since Israel launched the war on Gaza, more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 55, 000 injured, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

The attacks by Houthis in the Red Sea began in support of Palestinian resistance because of the Israeli ongoing military campaign which the United Nations and human rights organizations have branded as genocidal.

The Danish government will submit a resolution to [arliament in January in hopes that a frigate will be deployed at the end of January, said the defense ministry.