The Swedish Government has announced its decision to send a medical team of up to 25 people to the Red Sea as part of the EU's military operation, Eunavfor Aspides, aiming to protect maritime traffic against attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen.

This expanded contribution includes medical personnel, primarily surgeons and anesthesiologists, who will serve aboard a Dutch support vessel.

Defense Minister Pål Jonson highlighted the importance of this medical function for the safety and security of personnel on naval vessels.

The team is expected to be rapidly deployed and operational in the region until at least August.

Sweden had previously contributed four staff officers to the mission, with the government not ruling out further contributions in the future.