Recently, the European Union launched a naval mission called “Aspides,” which means “shield” in Greek, in response to the attacks launched by the Houthi group in the Red Sea against Israeli ships and their allies to pressure the Hebrew state to stop the Gaza war and lift the siege on the Palestinian people.
“Operation Espedes” came in an attempt by the Western bloc to deter the repeated Houthi attacks, which threaten the security of navigation in the Red Sea, the artery of global trade, and despite the American-British strikes that were recently launched against military targets and sites of the Houthi group, this did not stop the
“Operation Espedes” came in an attempt by the Western bloc to deter the repeated Houthi attacks, which threaten the security of navigation in the Red Sea, the artery of global trade, and despite the American-British strikes that were recently launched against military targets and sites of the Houthi group, this did not stop the
Houthi strikes and they continue to this day.
To know more details about the nature of this European naval operation in the Red Sea, and the time duration of this mission, we contacted the European spokesman for Foreign Affairs and Security, and he revealed to the
Belarabi the details of this naval mission and the objectives in the waters of the Red Sea.
About the nature of the “ASPEEDS” operation launched by the European Union in the Red Sea, and the time duration of this naval mission, Peter Stano, European Union spokesman for foreign affairs and security, said to Belarbia : “Security in the Red Sea has deteriorated significantly with the escalation of violent attacks launched by the Houthis.” Against maritime traffic. Therefore, the European Union decided to launch the maritime operation Aspidis to contribute to restoring freedom of navigation and protecting commercial shipping.”
The European Union spokesman added: “Freedom of navigation is a global public good, and essential to the global economy. Protecting maritime trade and maritime security benefits people in all countries affected by the consequences of illegal actions committed by the Houthis.”
He continued, “With these objectives in mind, Operation Aspidis has a three-pronged mandate: to protect ships under attack; to escort ships; and to enhance maritime situational awareness – such as surveillance, assessment of potential threats and exchange of information. Aspidis is a purely defensive mission, with a defensive mandate.” To protect ships targeted by attacks at sea or in the air.
He stressed that: “The European Union operation will not carry out any ground strikes. ASPIDS will operate in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2722, which calls on the Houthis to stop all attacks on commercial and merchant ships and refers to the right to defend ships against such attacks, in line with With international law.”
About the time period for this naval mission launched by the European Union, he said: “In terms of time
period, the Council agreed that the mandate of Operation Aspides should be for one year.”
