Barran Press
The European Union's military mission "ASPIDES ," tasked with safeguarding international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from attacks by the internationally designated terrorist group Houthis, announced the arrival of an Italian frigate on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
"We welcome the crew of the Italian frigate (Andrea Doria) who will be supporting our mission to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden," ASPIDES stated in a statement published on X (formerly Twitter).
The statement highlighted that the new Italian frigate replaces the "ITS VIRGINIO FASAN," which completed numerous direct protection missions for commercial vessels transiting the ASPIDE operational area since its deployment on April 19.
ASPIDES emphasized its role as a trusted maritime security provider for the EU, working to protect freedom of navigation in its operational area and contributing to the restoration of safe passage for commercial vessels.
In February, the EU launched the "ASPIDES" maritime mission to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. Since November 2023, the internationally recognized terrorist group has continued its attacks on commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden using missiles and drones.
These attacks have driven up maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the significantly longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
To deter the Houthis and safeguard maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. US forces have been conducting strikes against Houthi military targets.
Since January 12, the US and UK have carried out approximately 560 airstrikes against the Houthis, resulting in the deaths of 58 individuals and injuries to 86 others, according to the group's own admission.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government maintains that Western strikes are ineffective in neutralizing the Houthi threat to navigation and advocates for supporting its armed forces to recapture Hodeidah, its ports, and other areas under Houthi control.
Despite the continued Houthi maritime attacks, only three out of 162 targeted ships have reported significant incidents or injuries since November.