Denmark wants to support the US-initiated military alliance to protect ships in the Red Sea with a frigate. The Danish Ministry of Defense announced this today. “We are concerned about the serious situation in the Red Sea, where unprovoked attacks on civilian shipping continue,” said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. The Danish government plans to submit the proposal to parliament for a vote in January.
Since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip, ships in the Red Sea have been repeatedly attacked by Houthi rebels. According to US intelligence, the rebels in Yemen are supported by Israel's archenemy, Iran. To better protect the important sea route leading to the Suez Canal, the US has launched a military alliance with the armed forces of other countries.
According to the USA, more than 20 countries participate in the initiative, called “Operation Guardian of Prosperity”, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark.
Just last night, the US military claimed to have shot down a drone and missile belonging to Houthi rebels in the southern Red Sea. Earlier this week, Danish shipping company Maersk announced it would soon allow ships to resume sailing through the Red Sea after a pause due to increased attacks.