British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps announced today, Thursday, that the Royal Navy destroyer "Diamond" is on its way to join the British "Kipion" operation in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Shapps said, according to a statement published on the official UK government website - as a strong indication of the United Kingdom's commitment to regional security, the destroyer will work to enhance the UK's maritime presence in the Gulf and work to deter escalation from hostile parties seeking to disrupt maritime security.

He pointed out that the destroyer "Diamond" will carry out operations to ensure freedom of navigation in the area, reassure commercial ships, and ensure the safe flow of trade, adding that it will join the "Lancaster" ship, which was sent to the region last year, in addition to three minehunters and a support ship belonging to the Royal Fleet.

Shapps said, "Recent events have proven the importance of the Middle East for global security and stability," stressing that it is important for the United Kingdom to strengthen its presence in the region to keep Britain and its interests safe from a more turbulent and contested world.

He added that "the deployment of the destroyer today will enhance Royal Navy patrols, help keep vital trade routes open, and prove that our commitment to regional security not only continues but is being strengthened."