Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: The Ministry of Defense of Spain announced on Tuesday in a statement released to Spanish media, including ABC and La Vanguardia, that Spain cannot make unilateral decisions and is subject to the decisions of the European Union and NATO.

 

On Monday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin claimed that Spain will be among the countries that will join a 10-nation security initiative to protect trade in the Red Sea from attacks by the Yemeni army.

 

In recent days, the Yemenis have increased their attacks and are targeting ships related to the Zionist regime in the Red Sea.

 

On Monday, the energy company BP announced that it would stop shipping in the region, following the actions of major shipping companies such as Evergreen and Maersk, which suspended shipping operations off the coast of Yemen. These companies have decided to change their traffic routes, which will definitely impose costs on them.

 

According to the US Secretary of Defense, cutting off access to this important waterway "threatens" the free flow of trade, puts sailors "at risk" and violates international law. He announced the launch of "Operation Guardian of Welfare" to strengthen shipping security in the south of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

 

According to America, England, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain will participate in this program. However, if Spain's explanation for why it cannot join the program is correct, countries such as Italy, the Netherlands and France will also have to respond to the EU and NATO before committing.

 

According to Isna, the situation in Spain is not clear, and opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijo criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for committing Spanish forces to an international military operation without informing parliament. Neither Sanchez nor Spain's defense minister has issued an official statement on Operation Welfare Guardian.