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The European Union on Monday launched a naval mission to help protect cargo ships in the Red Sea, as attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to threaten maritime traffic, disrupt trade and drive up prices.
The mission, named Aspides, which means “shield” in Greek, will be carried out in Larissa, in central Greece, home to the Hellenic Air Force and NATO headquarters, under the command of Greek Brigadier General Vasilios Griparis.
The Iranian-backed Houthis have waged a relentless campaign of drone and missile attacks against commercial shipping over Israel’s Hamas offensive in the Gaza Strip, which began in October. But Yemen-based rebels frequently target ships with tenuous or unclear ties to Israel, disrupting shipping on a key route for global trade between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. You’re putting yourself at risk.
In response, US and British forces bombed multiple targets used by the Houthis.
However, the EU mission will not take part in any military attacks and will only operate at sea.
EU headquarters said in a statement after EU foreign ministers endorsed the mission: “Within the scope of the defense mission, this operation provides maritime situational awareness, accompanies ships and allows for possible multi-domain attacks at sea. It protects ships from
“The entire world economy is taking a hit. It’s not just European ships that are repeatedly endangered by Houthi missiles in the Red Sea, but the entire international shipping industry,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Verbock said in Brussels. he told reporters.
He said the mission, apart from protecting European shipping, “makes clear that as an international community we will stand up to attacks, including terrorist attacks on the freedom of sea lanes.” Germany, like Belgium, is contributing frigates to this mission.