The European Union has launched a naval mission aimed at protecting shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, as tensions escalate in the region. The move comes in response to a series of incidents in which commercial vessels, including a US-owned cargo ship, have come under fire from Houthi forces.
The Houthi rebels, who control much of war-torn Yemen, have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict. These attacks have disrupted shipping lanes, forcing some companies to take alternative routes.
Named “Aspides,” which means “shield” in Greek, the EU mission aims to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe will work alongside international partners to safeguard shipping routes.
The United States has already been leading its own naval coalition in the region and has conducted retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Britain has also been involved in these efforts.
Recent attacks, including two on a Greek-flagged, US-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden, have heightened concerns about the security of shipping in the region. The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for an attack on a British ship in the same area.
The ongoing disruptions have had far-reaching consequences, impacting not only shipping but also global trade, particularly in oil deliveries. Qatar’s energy minister has called for a ceasefire in Gaza to address the insecurity in the Red Sea and mitigate economic impacts worldwide.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi highlighted the economic toll of the situation, noting a significant decline in revenues from the Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
Italian diplomat Antonio Tajani confirmed the launch of the EU mission, emphasizing its importance for European defense. The mission, initially set for one year, will focus on protecting civilian shipping and will not involve attacks on Yemeni soil.
With France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium among the countries contributing ships, the EU mission underscores growing international concern over the escalating tensions in the Red Sea. As the situation unfolds, efforts to safeguard shipping routes and maintain stability in the region remain a top priority for global stakeholders.
Sources By Agencies
