Spain Blocks EU Participation in US Red Sea Operation

Spain has vetoed European Union (EU) participation in the US-led operation aimed at safeguarding navigation and securing ships in the Red Sea, reports El Confidencial.

Initially, Madrid had proposed the involvement of the entire EU community in the mission. During an emergency meeting held on December 20, the EU's Political and Security Committee unanimously approved the community's participation by expanding Operation Atalanta.

However, on December 21, Spain changed its stance and vetoed the decision during a meeting of the EU advisers' working group on international relations. European diplomatic sources revealed that the Spanish government's "change of position" had not been adequately explained to its partners.

On December 20, EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell announced that EU member states had committed to participating in the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure the freedom of navigation and the safety of ships in the Red Sea.

This development comes in the wake of heightened tensions surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Yemeni rebels, known as Houthis, had declared their intention to target Israeli territory and block any ships associated with it from passing through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the situation in the Palestinian enclave was resolved.

In response, US authorities revealed their plans to initiate Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea to ensure freedom of navigation and vessel safety.