Barran Press
The EU Naval Mission "Aspides" announced on Sunday that the Italian frigate "Federico Martinengo" has completed its third mission safeguarding commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
In a statement, Asphides stated that the frigate provided direct protection as part of broader efforts to ensure safe maritime navigation. The mission, operating under a defensive mandate, aims to enhance regional stability and safeguard international trade.
Since joining the EU naval force on January 29, the Martinengo has carried out three escort missions. In late December, Asphides had also reported successful protection operations by an Italian destroyer.
The Asphides mission officially launched Red Sea operations on February 19, reinforcing trade security in the region. By December 19, the operation had supported and safeguarded around 500 commercial ships.
The heightened security comes in response to ongoing threats from the Iran-backed Houthis, designated as a terrorist organization by many Western nations, who have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden since November.