MADRID, Spain – On Sunday, Spain officially announced its decision not to join the US-led coalition aimed at safeguarding Red Sea shipping routes from potential attacks by Yemen’s Huthi rebels.
The Huthis, backed by Iran, have targeted Red Sea shipping, citing support for Palestinians during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
While the Pentagon disclosed on Thursday that 20 countries had joined the coalition to protect this crucial maritime passage, Spanish defense ministry spokesperson stated, “Spain will not participate.”
Although the announcement did not provide specific reasons, the Spanish media suggested that the decision might be influenced by domestic political considerations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is currently working to form a coalition government and requires the support of the radical left party Sumar, which holds an anti-US foreign policy stance.
This political dynamic is believed to have played a role in the Spanish government’s decision to abstain from participating in the coalition.
The Huthis welcomed the Spanish government’s decision.
Huthi’s deputy foreign minister Hussein al-Ezzi expressed appreciation, stating, “We highly appreciate Spain’s refusal to be drawn into American and British lies on the issue of maritime navigation.”
The Pentagon’s spokesperson, Major General Pat Ryder, outlined the coalition’s mission, emphasizing that the participating forces would serve as a maritime patrol, monitoring the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to respond to and assist commercial vessels transiting these vital international waterways.
