EU states give nod for Red Sea mission to deter Houthis - diplomats

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

The diplomats said the aim was to establish the mission by Feb. 19 at the latest, with it becoming operational quickly afterwards, and that it would work in coordination with other like-minded partners in the region as part of efforts to stop disruptions to the key trading route.