A critical European Union initiative, ‘Operation Aspides,’ is set to unfold in the Red Sea within three weeks. This strategic naval deployment, dedicated to protecting key maritime trade lanes, emerges as a direct countermeasure to the intensifying drone and missile assaults by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, jeopardizing commercial shipping security.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, disclosed this plan on Wednesday, anticipating a unanimous endorsement from EU foreign ministers at their February 19 meeting. Contributions from seven EU nations are confirmed, with Belgium at the forefront by committing a frigate and Germany likely to follow suit.
This urgent response traces back to the Houthi rebels’ escalated offensive against shipping, primarily retaliatory to Israel’s military operations in Gaza since October. These indiscriminate attacks, targeting vessels unrelated to Israel, disrupt trade flow between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, escalating global trade expenses.
Concurrently, coordinated air strikes by U.S. and British forces on Houthi missile sites in Yemen signify a heightened allied response against these threats.
Despite these aggressive global maneuvers, Borrell insists on ‘Aspides’ being a purely defensive mission. The EU’s focus lies in thwarting attacks on merchant ships, eschewing direct military confrontations with the Houthis. This delineation underscores the EU’s commitment to a defense-focused, non-aggressive posture.
Deliberations among EU defense ministers are ongoing in Brussels, with France, Greece, and Italy contending for command of this naval operation. The decision on the mission’s command center remains pending. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has expressed confidence in Greece’s proposal.
‘Operation Aspides’ marks a pivotal European Union move to preserve stability in a region crucial for global commerce. Observers anticipate this operation’s effectiveness in deterring maritime threats and ensuring uninterrupted transit of goods through these volatile waters.
BUSINESS GENERAL | Philippines-Vietnam Aim for $10B Trade Surge in Economic Power Move
