EU's Operation Aspides Secures Passage for Over 1900 Commercial Vessels in Red Sea

The European Union's naval mission, Operation Aspides, announced on Tuesday that it has secured the passage of over 1,900 commercial vessels in the Red Sea, west of Yemen, since its operations began two years and three months ago.

The mission stated in a release published on the X platform, marking 27 months since the operation's commencement on February 19, 2024, that its forces have completed 27 months of work in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden operational area, in response to Houthi attacks on international shipping traffic.

In an accompanying video, the mission elaborated that its war assets have provided close support and protection to more than 1,920 commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, noting that the pace of protection in recent months has averaged approximately 130 commercial vessels per month.

According to previous statistics announced by the mission on April 19, over 1,790 vessels had their passage secured during the first 26 months of operations, indicating an escalation in the volume of activity and maritime patrols in the recent period.

Aspides reiterated its commitment to continuing its contribution to ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting seafarers and international trade, emphasizing that its mandate is entirely defensive, aimed at supporting regional stability and prosperity by providing maritime safety and safeguarding common global interests.

The European Union announced late last February the extension of Operation Aspides for an additional year, until February 28, 2027, amid ongoing threats targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab strait. Operation Aspides was launched by the European Union on February 19, 2024, following escalating Houthi attacks on commercial ships and the direct threat posed to one of the world's most critical maritime routes.