Netherlands to deploy frigate to Red Sea for protecting vessels from Houthis, reports say
Photo: The Netherlands will send a frigate to the Red Sea to protect ships (defensie.nl)
Netherlands to send frigate Zr. Ms. Tromp with 200 military personnel to protect civilian shipping. The government is to announce the official decision to send the ship today, according to NOS.
The frigate is equipped with an air defense system and is expected to be tasked with protecting civilian vessels from air threats. It will operate as part of the international operation Prosperity Guardian and should reach the Red Sea by the end of March.
By law, the Dutch government is obliged to inform the parliament of its decision. It will discuss the government's decision, but will not be able to overturn it.
Houthi attacks in Red Sea
Since November 2023, the Yemeni Houthis have been regularly attacking commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea with drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The first attacks began immediately after the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas.
In response to regular attacks by militants, on January 12, the United States and the UK for the first time launched missiles at Houthi military targets in Yemen. On January 17, the United States added the Houthis to the list of global terrorist organizations. Since then, the Western Coalition has been conducting regular strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen, but militant attacks on ships have not stopped.
In February, the European Union launched a naval mission in the Red Sea called Eunavfor Aspides to protect shipping in the region.
On March 1, the US military shot down cruise missiles and a drone fired toward the Red Sea.
On March 2, the Rubimar, a ship attacked by Yemeni Houthis, sank in the Red Sea. This is the first ship to sink after a militant attack.
