Greek leftist opposition slams government’s decision to join Red Sea naval coalition

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – The Greek Communist Party (KKE), the fourth biggest political party in the country, slammed the government’s decision to join the US-led Red Sea naval coalition to protect the global shipping corridor from Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The Iran-backed Houthis say their missile and drone strikes on commercial vessels linked to Israel are in support of Palestinians in the Gaza conflict that continues since Oct. 7.

“The dispatch of a Greek frigate to the Red Sea, under the guise of the safety of navigation and the protection of commercial ships, implicates the country even more deeply involved in the dangerous imperialist plans which at this stage are directly linked to the support of the murderous policy of its state Israel,” the party said in a statement.

This mission and other NATO naval missions to which Greece deployed warships exhibit the real purpose of the country’s ongoing re-armament programs, the party added.

“Greek ships or other military units have no business in missions that have nothing to do with the defense of the country and the protection of its borders. Stop all involvement now!" the party added.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has announced that the country would contribute to the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian.

The original members of the Red Sea task force include the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.