The maritime mission of Aspid has secured the passage of over 1,440 commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

EU Maritime Mission Secures Passage for Over 1,440 Commercial Vessels in the Red Sea

On Friday, the European Union’s maritime mission, known as “Aspides,” announced that it has successfully secured the passage of more than 1,440 commercial vessels in the Red Sea, off the western coast of Yemen, since its launch.

Mission Achievements

In a post shared on its X platform account, the European maritime mission highlighted that its naval units provided close support and protection to these vessels during their transit through the Red Sea. The mission began in February 2024 in response to escalating threats to maritime navigation in the region.

Combatting Threats

The Aspides fleet has also made significant strides in neutralizing threats. The mission reported the destruction of 19 drones, two unmanned boats, and four ballistic missiles belonging to Houthi forces. These actions aimed to thwart attempts to target international shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Search and Rescue Operations

In addition to its protective measures, Aspides has conducted four maritime search and rescue operations. These efforts successfully rescued 93 sailors, demonstrating the mission’s commitment to maritime safety and security.

Background of the Mission

The European Union launched the Aspides mission on February 19, 2024, following a surge in Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In February, the EU Council approved a one-year extension of the mission, which will now continue until February 28, 2026.

This ongoing commitment underscores the EU’s dedication to ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping in a region marked by instability and conflict.

For more information, visit Yemen TV.

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