AIDE MEMOIRE: PROPOSED NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE
CONTRIBUTION TO MILITARY ACTION AGAINST HOUTHI TARGETS
Decision sought: Approval to deploy a small New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contribution
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to the United States (US) led coalition conducting military action against the Yemen-based Houthi.
Key me ssages:
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1.
Ho
uthi’s illegal hijacking and targeting of commercial ships and crews in the Red
Sea has
resulted in an increasing number of shipping companies diverting around southern
Af rica. This
situation is likely to negatively affect New Zealand’s imports and exports.
s9(2)(g)(i)
2.
New Zealand has received a
request from the US to militarily contribute to a coalition
conducting
precision strikes on Houthi targets. Contributing a small NZDF team to support
future military action against the Houthi is
in New Zealand’s interests, supporting freedom of
navigation and the international rules based order through directly countering threats to
commercial vessels that are impacting international shipping.
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3.
Contributing to this coalition and its targeting operations is not without risk,
including the possibility of:
s6(a), s9(2)(g)(i)
The Options for a NZDF Contribution
Alongside our political support for coalition statements, a military contribution would serve to
Official
s9(2)(g)(i)
the
There are
two options proposed for a NZDF contribution to the US-led coalition. Both
proposed options for a NZDF contribution are for up to six months until 31 July 2024 and can
be met within existing baseline for Vote Defence Force.
Option 1: Deploy an NZDF targeting team of up to six personnel (Recommended)
under
Option 1 is a targeting team of up to six NZDF personnel, including intelligence analysts,
mission planners and a Legal Advisor, who will work alongside partners to enable the
coalition to carry out strikes on Houthi targets. This is the recommended option as it would:
allow the NZDF to provide a contribution of notable operational value.
Option 2: Deploy a minimum contribution of up to two NZDF personnel in planning and
targeting roles
Option 2 is for a contribution of two NZDF personnel, in planning and targeting roles.
This option is considered a minimal contribution to meet the US request and demonstrate
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our support for this coalition.
s6(a)
1
o
s6(a)
s9(2)(f)(iv)
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Questions and answers
Will NZDF personnel be involved in targeting?
Both options proposed would almost certainly see NZDF personnel tasked to engage in
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planning and targeting for strike operations to degrade or destroy Houthi military capability
s9(2)(g)(i)
Is this legal / what is the legal basis?
Officials assess that there is a legitimate and reasonable interpretation of the United Nations
Charter Article 51 as a basis to use force in collective self-defence.
Official
s6(a), s6(b)(i)
the
The recommended option of up to six personnel also includes a legal advisor, which will
provide additional support to the deployed personnel and assurance that our contribution will
operate within New Zealand’s Rules of Engagement.
Will there be civilian casualties?
under
The consideration of collateral damage, such as civilian casualties, is a critical step in the
targeting process.
s6(a), s9(2)(g)(i)
s6(a), s9(2)(g)(i)
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