Britain Sends Royal Navy Ship to the Gulf to Enhance Security

The British government announced today that it has sent the Royal Navy ship Diamond to contribute to enhancing security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, according to Reuters. Britain stated that the Diamond will "deter escalation from malevolent and hostile actors attempting to disrupt maritime security, conduct operations to ensure freedom of navigation, reassure commercial vessels, and ensure the safe flow of trade." British Defense Minister Grant Shapps said, "It is important that the UK reinforces our presence in the region to maintain the security of Britain and our interests in a world of increasing turbulence and conflict." Britain is also deploying the frigate Lancaster, three mine countermeasure vessels, and a support ship in the area.