French Army: Two frigates to protect ships near Bab al-Mandab

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In the midst of European mobilization to enhance the capabilities of its naval mission "ASPEDS" in the Red Sea, the French army said that its forces are contributing to protecting commercial ships passing through the region, in light of the escalating threats posed by the Houthi militia to passing ships.

The French army also indicated in statements to Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath that it would retain two frigates for reconnaissance missions and to protect ships near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The French announcement came as European Union countries intensified their efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Aspedes naval mission, by pushing for the provision of more warships designated to accompany commercial ships, in light of the increasing threats facing navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

European Union foreign policy official Kaya Callas said yesterday that the bloc called on member states to provide more warships to accompany commercial ships as they exit the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea. She explained that the mission requires at least 10 ships to carry out its tasks, but she acknowledged that the European Union does not currently have this number, adding that work is underway to increase the number of available ships.

It is noteworthy that last month, the European Union raised the alert level of its maritime mission, following the Houthi militia’s escalation and control over parts of the western coast of Yemen overlooking the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in a development that increased concerns about the security of navigation in the region.

Note that the European Union launched the "ASPEDS" mission in February 2024, with the aim of protecting commercial ships and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, after Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the region.

The mission previously announced that 260 ships have requested protection and escort since the attacks on commercial ships began, while the forces participating in it continue to monitor security developments in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and its surrounding areas.