Aspidis announces securing the passage of 300 commercial ships from Houthi attacks within six months

The European Union Naval Mission (ASPEDS) announced that its war assets were able to escort and protect at least 300 commercial vessels and secure their successful passage in its area of operations in the Red Sea, west of Yemen, during the 6 months since the launch of its naval operation.

The European mission said in a statement on its account on the "X" platform, on Monday: "We have completed six months of operations in the Red Sea region."

“Since 19 February, EUNAVFOR Aspedes has faced various challenges, but the unwavering commitment and hard work of its staff has led to many achievements,” she added.

She added in a video clip attached to the statement that the "Aspedis" mission responded, during this period, to requests from more than 300 commercial ships for escort and protection during their passage through the Red Sea region, where international navigation is being attacked by the Iranian-backed Houthis.

She pointed out that its warships were able to destroy 17 drones, a drone boat, and 4 ballistic missiles during the period.

Aspedas renewed its commitment to continue carrying out its missions to maintain maritime security, and to ensure full compliance with international law regarding the protection of freedom of navigation and the protection of commercial ships targeted by attacks at sea or from the air.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES completed 6 months of operation in the Red Sea area.

Since February 19, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has faced various challenges, but the unwavering commitment and hard work of its personnel have led to many achievements.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is committed in upholding… pic.twitter.com/v7I247jiFF

- EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) August 19, 2024

The European Union launched Operation Aspides on 19 February 2024 following an escalation in Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Since last November, the Iran-backed Houthi militia has been launching drone and missile attacks on cargo ships sailing in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, claiming that this is in support of Gaza, which has been subjected to a devastating Israeli war since October 7. These attacks have negatively affected shipping, trade and global supply chains.

As a result, the United States formed a military coalition led by it, and the European Union formed a naval mission for the same purpose, which it said was "defensive" and aimed at protecting maritime navigation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.