EUNAVFOR 'Operation Aspida' Warns Shipping Vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden of Potential Threats
The European maritime mission "Aspida" has urged shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to exercise extreme caution due to rising tensions in the region following the U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.
According to the mission, there are increasing threats from the Houthi group to launch attacks on commercial vessels, including American and Israeli ships, in the wake of recent military operations against Iran.
In a tweet on its official platform "X", the European maritime mission confirmed that the Houthis have threatened, according to unverified sources, to carry out new attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, prompting warnings to the maritime sector.
The mission clarified that it is closely monitoring the situation and that all vessels operating in these waters must be fully prepared to face any potential danger.
The mission added: "It is impossible to rule out attacks on commercial vessels of any kind. Therefore, we urge all shipping operators to exercise caution, especially with the increasing risks following the current escalation."
As part of this warning, the maritime mission confirmed that it will continue to maintain its full readiness in the region, where it works to protect maritime lives and ensure freedom of navigation in one of the most vital trade routes connecting the continents of the world.
In an additional step to enhance maritime security, the European Union announced the extension of the "Aspida" mission for an additional year until February 28, 2027, indicating the ongoing risks to international shipping lines in the Red Sea.
This mission aims to protect commercial vessels and ensure freedom of passage in accordance with international laws.
Since its launch in February 2024, following an increase in Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the region, "Aspida" has successfully provided protection for over 1,450 commercial vessels in the Red Sea, allowing ships operating in this sensitive area to navigate with relative safety.
The current operation includes two naval units and more than 390 sailors from 21 European countries, led by Admiral Vassilios Griberis.
The operational scope of the "Aspida" mission covers an area that includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, reaching up to the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most prominent international efforts to secure these vital maritime routes against increasing threats.
This area is considered one of the most strategically sensitive points in the world, through which most commercial ships transporting oil and goods pass, making the "Aspida" mission pivotal in ensuring the stability of maritime shipping in these troubled waters.
