Within the framework of the Egyptian Armed Forces efforts, and in cooperation with the USA and brotherly and friendly countries, to confront threats and challenges that target the security and stability of the region and complementing Egypt’s role in effective participation with the Combined Maritime Force (CMF), the Egyptian Navy has assumed command of the Joint Task Force (153).

The Joint Task Force’s mission is to counter smuggling and confront illegal activities, especially terrorist activities, in the areas of the Red Sea - Bab al-Mandab - Gulf of Aden, the Egyptian Armed Forces said in a statement.

Egypt assumes leadership of the Joint Task Force 153 based on its pivotal role and close cooperation with the naval forces of the participating countries to assume their common responsibilities towards improving the security environment in all areas and sea-lanes, providing safe passages for ships flow through international sea-lanes, and confronting all forms of organized crime that negatively affect the movement of global trade and partner countries interests.

In this context, the Egyptian Armed Forces affirms that the Joint Task Force (153) is one of the most important joint mechanisms for enhancing regional security and stability and confronting threats of all kinds.