Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite has confirmed the government is “actively considering” a request by the US Navy for Australia to send a warship to the Red Sea in response to unfolding tensions in the Middle East.
“Australia has had a presence in the Middle East for some time as part of Operation Minotaur,” Mr Thistlethwaite told Sky News Australia.
There are five personnel active in the region, working with allied forces, to ensure “stability and security”, Mr Thistlethwaite said.
“We’ve seen in recent weeks that those shipping lanes have been impeded by Houthi rebels.
“Particularly by the Suez Canal and that request has been made and the government is working with the chief of the Defence Force, in particular the Navy, to see whether or not we can provide that ship.”
“We make our decisions based on what is in Australia’s national interests and we certainly have a tradition of being involved in allied operations.”
Albanese Government Weighs Sending Warship to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Albanese government is reportedly deliberating over a request from the US to dispatch an Australian warship to the Red Sea. Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite confirmed that the government is “actively considering” this significant move.
“Australia has maintained a presence in the Middle East for some time now under Operation Minotaur,” Mr. Thistlethwaite stated. Currently, five Australian personnel are operating in the region, working alongside allied forces to maintain stability and security.
The decision comes as the crucial shipping lanes of the Red Sea, particularly near the Suez Canal, have been increasingly disrupted by Houthi rebels. The proposed naval deployment is seen as a measure to safeguard these vital maritime routes.
“The government is liaising with the Chief of the Defence Force, specifically the Navy, to determine the feasibility of providing a ship to aid in these efforts,” Mr. Thistlethwaite explained.
The Albanese government’s decision will be primarily guided by Australia’s national interests, reiterating the nation’s long-standing tradition of participating in allied operations. However, the proposal has also sparked concerns. There is a degree of wariness about deploying a warship to the Red Sea due to potential risks and the broader implications for Australia’s role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) aims to combat smuggling, piracy, and narcotics in international waters around the Middle East. A potential Australian contribution to this task force would symbolize an expansion of international cooperation in the region.
This development comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions in the Middle East, with the US Navy requesting support from its allies to bolster its taskforce in the Red Sea. The Albanese government’s response to this request will play a crucial role in shaping Australia’s involvement in the region and its relations with key global allies.
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