Greek ship guards in the Red Sea

"We apply the rules of engagement in accordance with international law. If we detect a ship approaching in a threatening manner, we follow a specific procedure," K.S. tells Kathimerini.

As Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea increase, the global demand for experienced and well-trained guards to protect ships and sailors is skyrocketing. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are now high-risk areas for global shipping and the need for ship protection is great.

The area has been known to Greek mercenaries serving as armed guards on merchant ships since 2007, when the civil war in Somalia led to an upsurge in piracy incidents. The crisis in the Middle East and the Houthi attacks in "response" to Israel's operations in Gaza are "raising the temperature" in the region, as well as the wages paid by companies to ship security personnel - a difficult and dangerous job that many...