The European Union announced on Monday the official launch of a similar mission. The mission will provide “support, surveillance and possibly protection” in the area.
Several countries have indicated their intention to participate, notably Belgium, Italy, Germany and France. The European Union will be able to fire to defend merchant ships or targets on land, but not to attack Houthi rebel positions on the ground. The U.S. has already launched its own mission to protect merchant ships in the Red Sea.