In the strategic waters of the Red Sea, where maritime commerce intersects with geopolitical tensions, the European Union has taken decisive action. Since mid-February, the EU’s Aspides mission has emerged as a crucial guardian, repelling attacks by Houthi rebels that threatened merchant vessels navigating these crucial trade routes.
The Aspides mission, named after the shield in ancient Greek, has thwarted eleven attacks by Houthi rebels since its launch in mid-February following assaults on merchant vessels, announced European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday.
Mr. Borrell underscored Aspides as clear evidence of the EU’s commitment to bolstering international security and safeguarding maritime routes and goods.
Asserting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Europe collaborates closely with international partners, viewing this initiative not only as a crisis response but also as a pivotal step towards bolstering European presence at sea to safeguard European interests. The mission, which involves four European military vessels are involved in this mission, in which 19 countries are participating, including France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Belgium.
Prior to the Houthi attacks, the Red Sea accounted for 13% of global trade, but traffic has since been halved, Mr. Borrell highlighted. “Currently, only half of the 70 ships using the Suez Canal continue to do so, hence the necessity for intervention,” he added.
While Aspides is authorized to use force to defend merchant ships or itself, it is restricted from targeting onshore objectives against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen.
