EU states back creation of naval mission to deter Houthis

European Union member states have given initial backing to create a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea, European diplomats said on Tuesday.

The diplomats said the aim was to establish the mission by 19 February, according to Reuters. 

The member states said they hoped that the mission would then become operational shortly afterwards, and it would work in coordination with other like-minded partners in the region as part of efforts to stop disruptions to the important trading route.