New Deputy Commander of EU's Aspides Mission to Protect Navigation in Red Sea Appointed

The European Union has appointed a new deputy commander for the naval task force (ASPIDES), tasked with protecting and securing international shipping lanes in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks.

The Aspedas mission said in a tweet on its account on the "X" platform, on Thursday, that Italian Navy Admiral Daniele Civico has assumed the position of Deputy Commander of its force in the Red Sea, succeeding French Navy Admiral Jean-Marc Bourdier.

“Operation Aspides thanks outgoing Rear Admiral Bourdier for his contribution and extends a warm welcome to Rear Admiral Civico,” she added.

Rear Admiral Daniele Civico (IT) took over Deputy Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, succeeding Rear Admiral Jean-Marc Bordier (FR). Operation ASPIDES thanks the outgoing RADM Bordier for his contribution and warmly welcomes RADM Civico. pic.twitter.com/Cet20meoXs

- EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) October 17, 2024

On February 19, the European Union announced in a statement the launch of a European naval mission called "Aspedes" to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea from attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi group.

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 the surrounding waters.