EU Naval Mission Escorts Commercial Vessels Safely Through Red Sea

The European Union’s naval mission tasked with safeguarding international navigation announced Thursday that an Italian frigate successfully escorted a group of commercial ships through the Red Sea, west of Yemen.

In a press release, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES stated: “The commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea completed their journey safely under the protection of the Italian frigate BERGAMINI.”

This marks the second operation carried out by the Bergamini in July, following its support for a merchant vessel on July 10. The mission’s tally now stands at three operations this month, including one conducted by the Greek frigate PSARA.

The statement reaffirmed that the EU naval force “actively contributes to keeping one of the world’s most vital waterways open and secure.”

Earlier this week, ASPIDES highlighted that since its launch 29 months ago, its warships have provided close protection to more than 2,200 commercial vessels transiting the southern Red Sea, an area repeatedly targeted by Houthi attacks since late 2023.

The mission currently consists of two naval units and more than 390 sailors from 21 European nations. Its area of operations 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.