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

Shapps said, according to a statement published on the official website of the British government - 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 by hostile parties seeking to disrupt maritime security.

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

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

He added that "today’s deployment of the destroyer 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 reinforced."