EU SET TO LAUNCH A MILITARY OPERATION IN THE RED SEA
This week, European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell announced that the European Union plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to help defend cargo ships against attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The operation, named Aspides – “shield” in Greek – aims to “protect ships in the region by intercepting the attacks, but not participating in any kind of actions against the Houthis”, said Mr Borrell.
The operation would follow the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian which currently operates in the region. The Aspides missions’ command structure is still under discussion by Member States, but it has been reported that Greece should host the headquarters of the operation in Larissa, which hosts the Hellenic Air Force and NATO headquarters in Greece. According to some officials, seven Member States already committed to deploy naval and air forces under this operation. EU Member States are expected the endorse the mission at the next meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Minister on 19 February.
Source: Seatrade Maritime News, Associated Press