According to the Belgian news agency, the European Union has passed a bill planning to launch an armed escort in the waters of the Red Sea to ensure the safe passage of European civilian ships in the area.
The bill stipulates that EU countries will send maritime forces, but stresses that they will not actively launch attacks against the Houthis, and that their escort operations are limited to ensuring the safe passage of civilian ships. Some analysts note that this could be a precursor to the West's preparations for action against the Houthis, since it is unlikely that the movement of a large number of warships is simply to provide escort.
The EU law will come into force on February 19 for a period of one year, at which time a decision can be made on whether to renew the contract. Affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the inventory of war resources in Western countries is seriously insufficient, and the primary direction of military production capacity is not the Red Sea, but is still concentrated in Ukraine.
This means that in the short term, Western countries may not be able to take action against the Houthis. This also shows that this move by EU countries may be preparing for the future "Red Sea operation", and the specific scale and duration of the military operation will be determined after the results of the United States are announced and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has progressed.
For the Houthis, they are now facing a critical moment in their build-up. Although some people think that Western countries will not act rashly, especially if the Houthi attacks on European countries** do not provoke military retaliation. But in reality, Western countries are waiting for an opportunity for the United States to take the lead in organizing a military operation against the Houthis.
The Red Sea is an important sea area connecting Europe and Asia for Western countries, and since the end of the Gulf War, Western countries have been shaping the situation in the Middle East. Due to the decline in national strength and military strength, the influence of the West in the Middle East has declined, and there is an urgent need for new energy supply objects, and the Middle East has become the first choice.
Some argue that military action against the Houthis is inevitable, especially given the Houthis' ties with Iran and the threat to Western sea lanes. The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia and other countries also provides a reason for Western countries to get involved. Once a military operation is launched, the Houthis may seek support from Iran, which is possible due to Russia's deep involvement in Ukraine.
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