"Aspid's" European: 260 Ships Requested Protection Since the Start of Houthi Attacks

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The European Union's "EUNAVFOR Med Operation Irini" mission revealed that 260 ships have requested protection and escort since the start of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, while the European mission continues to monitor security developments in Bab al-Mandab and the surrounding area.

In this context, a spokesperson for the "EUNAVFOR Med Operation Irini" mission stated in remarks to "Al Arabiya/Al Hadath" that about 130 ships request escort in the Bab al-Mandab area each month, confirming that the mission closely monitors security developments in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

He also added that "EUNAVFOR Med Operation Irini" is conducting a continuous assessment of the security environment in its operational area, and the mission is prepared to ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and within its specified mandate. He confirmed that the mission is "on standby to carry out its tasks within the limits of the resources and capabilities provided by member states," with the aim of protecting international navigation and securing the movement of commercial vessels in the region.

He also clarified that the total number of ships that have requested protection and escort since its launch in 2024 has reached 2,640 ships, reflecting the demand for maritime protection since the start of the European mission following the escalation of attacks on navigation in the region.

These statements came at a time when the European mission is facing challenges related to the availability of naval vessels necessary to carry out its tasks, as the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaia Kalas, confirmed that "Aspides" is suffering from a shortage of warships, noting that the current force does not even include the targeted number at the launch of the mission, which is 10 ships.

Kalas stated on the sidelines of a meeting of EU defense ministers two days ago that the decision at the launch of the "Aspides" operation in 2024 stipulated the formation of a force comprising 10 warships, adding that the mission currently does not even have this number.

The European warning also comes amid ongoing risks facing navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, following a series of attacks carried out by the Houthis on commercial ships, using missiles, drones, and other means to target maritime traffic.

It is noteworthy that the European Union officially launched the "Aspides" mission on February 19, 2024, following the escalation of Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, amid the repercussions of the war in Gaza and rising regional tensions.

Bab el-Mandeb is a key passage for global trade, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, while the Red Sea represents an essential part of the maritime route connecting Asian and European markets via the Suez Canal.

It is noted that the Houthi attacks have led to disruption of maritime traffic in the region, prompting several global shipping companies to reroute their vessels away from the Red Sea, taking longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, which has reflected on transportation and insurance costs and travel durations.