New Zealand Deploys Specialized Team to Enhance Red Sea Maritime Security

Wellington, (Amaravati Today): In a bid to enhance maritime security in the Red Sea area, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is deploying a specialized team of six personnel to the Middle East. Tasked with supporting coalition forces, these individuals will be stationed at operational headquarters in the region, refraining from entering Yemen itself. The NZDF has a history of contributing to global maritime security, dating back to its involvement in Middle East maritime security operations since 2013. Furthermore, New Zealand has been actively participating in international security efforts in the Middle East since 1954, currently maintaining 57 personnel in the region.

Recent Houthi rebel attacks on commercial ships have prompted the NZDF's response, as these actions are deemed illegal, unacceptable, and destabilizing. Safeguarding freedom of navigation along trade routes is of paramount importance to New Zealand's national interests. Despite repeated calls from New Zealand and other nations for the Houthis to cease their attacks on shipping, these warnings have gone unheeded. New Zealand is committed to upholding the international rules-based system and is ready to step up, as directed by the government, to address serious threats to international maritime security. This deployment is mandated until at least July 31.