European Union Entrusts Italy To Lead Shipping Command In The Red Sea

Archives - Houthi hijacked a ship belonging to an Israeli company in the Red Sea. (Doc. ANTARA/Anadolu/tm)

JAKARTA - Tensions in the Red Sea are increasing and the Yemeni Houthis are now not only targeting ships affiliated with Israel.

Italian Defense Ministerdo Crosetto on Friday, February 2, reported by ANTARA, Saturday, February 3, said that the European Union asked its country to take the "touristical commander" of the Aspides mission to be formed by the EU to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Aspides in Greek means shield or shield.

Crosetto highlighted that Italy's appointment of the task is once again a recognition of Italy's naval professionalism.

He noted that Aspides is important and urgent for the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Crosetto said on Thursday, February 2, that the Italian parliamentary defense committee said at least one Italian ship would serve on the mission for 12 months, and lawmakers were considering sending an air force.

Meanwhile EU chief of foreign affairs Josep Borrel also said on Thursday that EU's mission to combat attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen would begin on February 19.

It is known, as support for Gaza, which has been subjected to intense attacks by Israel and is supported by the United States since October 7, Yemen's Houthis are targeting shipping vessels in the Red Sea owned or operated by Israeli companies or delivering goods to and from Israel.

With tensions rising as the US and Britain staged a joint airstrike against the Houthis in Yemen, the Houthis then made US and British ships a military targets.

A US-led coalition has carried out periodic airstrikes since January 12 targeting the Houthis' location in parts of Yemen in response to attacks in the Red Sea but the results have not stopped the Houthis' attacks on the Red Sea.