The Netherlands sends a frigate to the Mediterranean to protect maritime navigation

The Dutch government said on Monday that it would send a frigate to the Mediterranean at the request of France to help protect Cyprus and other allies and secure maritime traffic threatened by the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

The Netherlands reported last week that France had asked it to provide an air defense frigate and command to support the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which French President Emmanuel Macron said would be sent to the Mediterranean.