Barran Press
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) operation "ASPIDES," tasked with safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and northern Arabian Sea, announced on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, that its naval assets have provided direct protection to 200 commercial vessels, ensuring their safe passage through the Red Sea (west of Yemen) since its launch in February.
In a concise statement published on its "X" account, seen by "Barran Press", ASPIDES stated, "We have completed the 200th direct protection of a commercial vessel since the start of our operations in February 2024."
The statement added, "In addition, numerous commercial vessels have been supported by ASPIDES assets."
ASPIDES emphasized that "the threat level in the area of operations remains high due to ongoing attacks against commercial vessels and seafarers (referring to Houthi attacks)." Consequently, the statement declared, "We will continue to be committed to working for maritime security in the region."
The European operation mentioned in the statement that it "operates under a defense mandate as a trusted maritime security provider for the European Union, protecting freedom of navigation in the area of operations and contributing to the restoration of safe passage for commercial vessels."
On February 19th, 2024, the European Union launched a maritime operation named "ASPIDES" to safeguard commercial vessels in the Red Sea from attacks by the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization.
Since last November, the Houthi group has been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, claiming it is in support of Gaza, which is facing a genocidal war by Israel.
These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.
To deter the Houthis, the "Guardian of Prosperity" coalition, led by the United States and with significant British participation, commenced airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The group expanded its operations to target vessels linked to Washington and London, according to its own announcements.
Since the Israeli occupation's attack on the port of Hodeidah (western Yemen) on July 20th, 2024, which was met with widespread local and Arab condemnation, the Red Sea region has witnessed a noticeable lull. However, American forces continue limited airstrikes against Houthi military sites and capabilities.
Over the past two weeks, no Houthi attacks, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, have been reported. The last attack claimed by the group occurred a day before the Israeli attack on Hodeidah, specifically on July 19th, 2024, targeting the vessel "Lobivia" in the Gulf of Aden.