EU's Aspides Mission Secures Over 120 Vessels in Red Sea Passage

The European Union's naval mission, Aspides, has successfully ensured the passage of more than 120 merchant vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea over the past month. This brings the total number of ships protected since the mission's inception to 2,040.

The announcement was made via a statement released by the mission on the X platform, marking 28 months since the operation commenced on February 19, 2024. The mission was launched to counter Houthi attacks targeting international shipping traffic in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

In its statement, Aspides noted, "Today, we mark 28 months since the launch of our mission in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden operational area." An accompanying video highlighted that its naval assets have provided close support and protection to over 2,040 merchant vessels transiting the region, an increase of 120 ships from the previous month's recorded statistics.

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

In late February, the European Union announced the extension of Operation Aspides for an additional year, with the mission now scheduled to conclude on February 28, 2027. This decision comes amid ongoing security threats to international navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Operation Aspides was initiated by the European Union on February 19, 2024, following a significant escalation in attacks by Houthi militias on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb.