EU Naval Mission Secures Passage of Over 2,000 Commercial Ships in the Red Sea

The European Union (EU) announced that its naval mission, tasked with safeguarding international navigation in the region, has successfully protected the passage of more than 2,040 commercial vessels through the Red Sea, west of Yemen, since its launch in late February 2024.

In a post on its official account on platform X, the EU Naval Force ASPIDES stated on Sunday: “Today, our mission marks 26 months since its launch, dedicated to protecting global trade routes and ensuring freedom of navigation in the area of operations.”

The mission added, in an accompanying video, that its naval units have provided close support and protection to thousands of ships transiting the southern Red Sea, an area repeatedly targeted by Houthi attacks on international shipping since late 2023.

ASPides reaffirmed that it operates under a fully defensive mandate, contributing to regional stability and prosperity by ensuring the safety of seafarers and safeguarding shared global interests.

The EU launched the mission on February 19, 2024, in response to escalating Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The force currently consists of two naval units and more than 390 sailors from 21 European nations, with its headquarters based in Larissa, Greece.

Its operational area covers the Bab al-Mandeb and Hormuz straits, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the wider Gulf region.