Safiu Kehinde
The European Union has sent shrill to the spine of Middle East nations as it unveils plan to carry out military operation in partnership with the U.S on the Red Sea.
In the wake of repeated attacks on Cargo ships by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the body resolved to a possible involvement in the fight against the rebels as foreign ministers across the Western bloc decide to meet on the 22nd of January with the U.S in an effort to secure commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
According to reports, the plans envisage the deployment of warships and airborne early warning systems, perhaps using reconnaissance aircraft.
Prior to this development, the US and UK had, on Thursday engaged in strike of over 60 targets across 16 sites in Yemen.
Sequel to the strike, the UK Foreign Office has issued urgent travel warnings for 18 countries.
The countries listed include Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, and Qatar.
According to The Mirror, The new advice reads: “Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”