The European mission, known as Operation ‘Aspides’, has successfully repelled eleven attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels and escorted 16 ships across the Red Sea. Launched less than two months ago, the operation aims to protect trade in the Suez Canal, which has been disrupted by the Houthi attacks. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, the Houthi rebels have carried out 80 attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, resulting in increased travel time and costs for ships bound for Europe. The EU High Representative Josep Borell emphasized that the mission’s goal is to ensure the freedom and safety of navigation in the region and prevent the conflict from spreading further.
The Houthi rebels view themselves as defenders of the Palestinian cause and have targeted merchant ships as a response to the Israel-Hamas war. The attacks have caused disruptions to trade routes, with only half of the usual 70 ships passing through the Suez Canal daily. Thirteen percent of world trade passes through the Red Sea, making it a crucial maritime route. European member states have deployed frigates to the area, with 19 countries contributing to the operation. European ships have intercepted multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, surface vessels, and ballistic missiles, demonstrating the operation’s effectiveness in responding to threats.
Operation ‘Aspides’ mandate is to protect ships under attack and escort vessels, ensuring maritime security in the region. Rear Admiral Vasilios Gryparis, the operation’s commander, explained that they can only respond to attacks and not initiate them. After nearly two months, there is improved coordination with other operations in the area, such as the mainly American Operation Prosperity Guardian. The successful interception of hostile devices and the protection of merchant ships highlight the importance of international cooperation in maintaining security in crucial maritime corridors.
The operation’s success in repelling attacks and safeguarding merchant ships has been a critical step in restoring stability to the region’s maritime trade routes. The increased presence of European frigates and contributions from multiple member states demonstrate a unified response to the threat posed by the Houthi rebels. By ensuring the safe passage of ships and responding effectively to threats, Operation ‘Aspides’ plays a vital role in protecting the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The mission’s ability to intercept hostile devices and prevent further disruptions to trade reflects the importance of international cooperation in maintaining maritime security.
The ongoing conflict between the Houthi rebels and merchant ships has caused significant disruptions to trade routes, resulting in increased costs and travel time for vessels heading to Europe. The EU mission’s success in repelling attacks and escorting ships through the Red Sea and Suez Canal has helped mitigate these disruptions and restore stability to the region’s maritime trade. By intercepting hostile devices and responding effectively to threats, Operation ‘Aspides’ has demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding vital trade routes and ensuring the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. As the operation continues to protect merchant ships and maintain maritime security, it will be crucial in preventing further disruptions and maintaining stability in the region.
