Netherlands gave 'Non-operational military support' In the US and UK operation against the Houthis'S in Yemen. Outgoing Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins-Sloat and outgoing Defense Minister Kaisa Ollongren wrote this in a letter to the House of Representatives on Friday morning.
According to the letter, the support consists of: 'One staff officer deployed'. There is also political support. According to the letter of the two ministers, this matter concerns one of them 'Short and limited process'. If the United States later requests more support from the Netherlands, that request will be reconsidered, Bruins-Sloat and Ollongren wrote.
US and British air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen are a measure against sabotage attacks in the Red Sea that the Iran-backed group regularly carries out on international shipping there.
The intended and expected effect of the US-British operation is 'De-escalation in the Red Sea, because it weakens the Houthis' military capabilities and discourages further attacks'The ministers said. They also expect the risk of A 'Regional escalation' is reduced.
'At the same time, it must be taken into account the scenario of continued attacks and escalation of conflict in the region and that there are consequences for the Dutch position and interests in the region. The United States may then propose follow-up measures. As we mentioned, the Netherlands will reconsider its involvement in this matter'“, write the ministers.
They decided to respond to the American-British request for support regarding the Dutch presence and interests in the region. The House of Representatives was not informed in advance 'Due to the confidentiality of this process', type Bruins Slot and Ollongren. According to them, Al-Houthi'They demanded several times to stop their armed attacks on ships in the Red Sea. (AP)
