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Joint Naval Mission Launching in Red Sea to Counter Houthi Attacks
The European Union (EU) is set to launch a naval mission, named Aspides, within the next three weeks in the Red Sea to safeguard cargo ships against attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced that he anticipates EU foreign ministers to approve the mission on February 19. Seven EU countries have expressed readiness to contribute ships or planes, with Belgium committing to send a frigate, and Germany expected to follow suit.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been conducting drone and missile attacks on commercial ships, with a focus on vessels not directly linked to Israel. These attacks pose a threat to shipping in a critical route for global trade connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
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Recent coordinated strikes by U.S. and British forces targeted multiple locations used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in response to their attacks on ships. Borrell emphasized that the EU mission would not engage in military strikes but would focus solely on sea operations to protect ships and intercept attacks by the Houthi rebels.
The proposed naval mission, Aspides, has been designed to act as a shield against attacks, contributing to the safety of cargo ships navigating the Red Sea. Borrell clarified that the mission’s purpose is to block attacks by the Houthis and not participate in offensive actions against them.
During a meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels, discussions centered on determining the leading country for the naval effort. France, Greece, and Italy are reportedly vying for this role. The location for the mission’s headquarters was also deliberated, but no public decisions were disclosed.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias expressed Greece’s willingness to lead the operation and offered the Larissa Headquarters as the mission’s base. Borrell emphasized that EU businesses had urged action due to the trade implications of rerouting merchant ships to bypass the Red Sea, impacting costs and contributing to inflation.
As tensions persist in the region, the EU aims to provide a maritime solution to protect shipping lanes, ensuring the safety of vessels and addressing the economic concerns raised by businesses affected by the disruptions caused by Houthi attacks.
The EU's Aspides mission reflects the bloc’s commitment to securing vital maritime routes and maintaining stability in the face of evolving regional challenges.
The terrorist organization mentioned in the previous conversation is the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
