Launches Shield Operation In Red Sea, European Union: Protect Commercial Ships From Houthi Attacks

Atalanta's operation was held by EUNAVFOR. (Source: EUNAVFOR)

JAKARTA - The European Union agreed to launch a naval operation under the EUAVFOR (European Union Naval Force) in the Red Sea, to restore and maintain freedom of navigation in the region.

Named Aspides, the ancient Greek word meaning'saives', was decided after Iran's allied Houthi militants began attacking international ships in the Red Sea, declaring it support for the Hamas group in its war with Israel.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the operation was launched in a very strategic maritime corridor.

"EU is responding quickly to the need to restore maritime security and freedom of navigation in a very strategic maritime corridor," Borrell said in a statement.

"In its defense mandate, this operation will provide awareness of the maritime situation, accompany ships, and protect them from possible multi-rank attacks at sea," the statement added.

The statement did not specify how many ships would be involved in the operation. However, EU diplomats previously said this operation in the early stages would involve three ships under EU command as part of the so-called EU Joint Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said the mission marked a stronger European presence in the region.

"I welcome the launch of Operation Aspides. Europe will guarantee freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, in collaboration with our international partners. In addition to the response to the crisis, this is a step towards a stronger European presence at sea to protect European interests," he wrote on X.

The European Union said the mission would be active along major sea communications lines in the Baab al-Mandab Strait and the Hormuz Strait, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, Aden Bay, Arabian Sea, Oman Bay and Teluk.

It is known, Germany had sent air defense frigates earlier this month to join the mission. Meanwhile, two diplomats said France and Italy would also contribute.