Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond, which stopped over in Gibraltar a few weeks ago, has joined an international task force to protect merchant shipping in the Middle East.
Last week the commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard threatened to 'close the Mediterranean' and the Strait of Gibraltar over the conflict in Gaza.
Yemeni Houthi ballistic missile and drone attacks continue against commercial vessels continue in the area. One of the ships recently targeted was the Maersk Gibraltar Container ship operated by the Danish company.
The MoD says HMS Diamond has joined Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new international task force to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The task force also includes three US destroyers, and a French warship, and all are operating in the Southern Red Sea. Countries including Bahrain, Norway and the Seychelles are also supporting the Operation.
HMS Diamond was in Gibraltar a few weeks ago for rest and recovery en route to the Middle East.