Spain has announced that it will not participate in the US-led military coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea. The coalition was announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday and is intended to counter Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the region.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said in a statement that Spain would not participate in the coalition because it believes the mission should be led by the European Union. She also said that Spain is opposed to expanding the European Union’s Atalanta mission, which is currently focused on combating piracy in the Indian Ocean.
The decision by Spain to stay out of the coalition is likely to be seen as a snub to the United States. It comes at a time when relations between the two countries are strained over a number of issues, including the recent expulsion of two US spies from Spain.
The Spanish government has said that it remains a committed ally of the United States and NATO. However, the decision to stay out of the Red Sea coalition is a sign that Spain is willing to stand up for its own interests, even if it means disagreeing with its allies.
