Europe and Australia deploy military assets to the Middle East region

Multiple Countries Deploy Military Assets to Middle East Amid Ongoing Conflict

Several European countries have announced plans to send military assistance to the Middle East and Mediterranean, following a drone attack on a British military base in Cyprus. The US-Israeli conflict, which began on February 28, has seen ongoing attacks in Iran, Israel, and other countries in the region.

On Thursday, Australia confirmed it would be sending “assets” to the region, although details were not specified. France has also announced plans to send an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with additional air defense assets and a French frigate to Cyprus. Greece has sent two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, while Italy will provide naval assets and air-defense systems.

The UK’s Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri suffered a drone attack on Monday, prompting the Ministry of Defence to send the HMS Dragon to bolster drone defense for Cypriot partners. The ship is equipped with a Sea Viper missile system capable of launching eight missiles in under 10 seconds. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also announced plans to send four more Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar.

Rome has pledged “naval assets” to Cyprus, along with France, the Netherlands, and Spain. The Portuguese government has granted permission for the US to use its Lajes base in the Azores as part of operations targeting Iran, subject to certain conditions. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced plans to send a frigate to help protect Cyprus, despite his opposition to the war.

The deployments come amid concerns about the conflict spilling across Europe’s borders. France President Emmanuel Macron has warned of this risk and emphasized the need for caution in responding to the crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera