EU launches naval mission to protect shipping in Red Sea

The European Union on Monday signed off officially on a naval mission to protect international ships in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

In a post on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday said she welcomed the EU-led mission, which has been dubbed Aspides – the ancient Greek word for shield.

"Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners," von der Leyen wrote.

"Beyond crisis response, it's a step towards a stronger European presence at sea to protect our European interests."

'Common defence'

Italian top diplomat Antonio Tajani confirmed the launch during a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, calling it "an important step towards common European defence".

The mission hopes to put down increased attacks by Yemen's Houthis, who have been launching missile and drone strikes in the vital shipping corridor.

The EU says the mission's mandate – set initially for one year – is limited to protecting civilian shipping in the Red Sea and that no attacks will be carried out "on Yemeni soil".

It will involve sending three European warships and airborne early warning systems to the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

The overall commander will be Greek, while the lead officer in operational control at sea will be Italian, an EU official said Friday, adding the bloc aimed to have the mission up and running in a "few weeks".

So far France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium have said they plan to contribute ships.

The United States is already spearheading its own naval coalition in the area and has conducted strikes on the Houthis in Yemen along with Britain.

In the latest incident, a Greek-flagged, US-owned cargo ship was attacked twice in two hours in the Gulf of Aden, which adjoins the Red Sea, maritime security firm Ambrey said.

The Greek-flagged bulk carrier reported a "missile attack" before another projectile hit the water just metres from the ship, Ambrey said.

No injuries or damage were reported in either incident and the ship was continuing its journey to Aden, the report said.

Earlier, the Huthis claimed an attack on a British ship in the Gulf of Aden that was earlier reported by Ambrey.

(with newswires)