EU's Aspides Mission Secures Passage for 1,800 Red Sea Merchant Vessels

The European Union's naval mission, Aspides, has successfully secured the passage of approximately 1,800 merchant vessels in the Red Sea since its inception.

Aspides announced in a statement published on the platform "X" on Sunday that the mission has completed 26 months since its launch on February 19, 2024. The mission was established to counter attacks by Houthi militias on international shipping traffic in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

In an accompanying video, the mission stated that its assets have provided close support and protection to over 1,790 merchant vessels during their transit through the region, reaffirming its continued operations within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden operational areas. According to the mission's statistics, Aspides secured the passage of approximately 130 merchant vessels in a single month, following an announcement on March 19 that it had secured the passage of over 1,660 vessels in the preceding 25 months.

The European mission reiterated its commitment to contributing to freedom of navigation and protecting maritime personnel. It emphasized that its mandate is "fully defensive" and that it contributes to regional stability and prosperity by ensuring the safety of seafarers and safeguarding global common goods.

The European Union announced in late February the extension of Operation Aspides for an additional year, concluding on February 28, 2027, amidst ongoing threats to international navigation in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb strait.