Khaberni - The French military announced today, Friday, that France has sent a helicopter carrier to the Mediterranean Sea in response to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
A military spokesperson stated, "An amphibious helicopter carrier has been deployed in the Mediterranean to enhance the presence of the French armed forces amidst the Middle East crisis."
The main French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar today, Friday, on its way to the eastern Mediterranean.
This comes after France decided to deploy its main aircraft carrier and a frigate earlier last week.
France has three helicopter carriers, which are amphibious ships that serve as floating ports equipped with a hospital and space to accommodate 1500 people in the event of evacuating civilians. They can also be used as a base for helicopters or as a means of deploying ground troops.
The EU member state sent a frigate to Cyprus following a drone attack on a British base on the Mediterranean island.
Commitment and Affirmation
French President Emmanuel Macron has previously announced France's commitment to protecting its national interests and citizens in the region, emphasizing the importance of strategic action in response to the escalation of the war in the Middle East and securing the freedom of navigation in vital straits.
During a press conference in Paris three days ago, Macron blamed Iran for the war, stating "Iran bears the primary responsibility" for the American-Israeli action. However, he added, "The United States and Israel have decided to conduct military operations outside international law, which we cannot agree with."
Macron mentioned that his country is working on building a coalition to muster the necessary military capacity to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, drawing from previous experience in the Red Sea. He added that the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" and its accompanying frigate would head to the Middle East to strengthen the French military presence and protect vital interests.
