A Greek defense staff official stated on Wednesday that "a Greek military ship operating under the European Union's maritime mission in the Red Sea fired at two drones, forcing them to retreat." The EU mission in the Red Sea, known as (ASPIS), began in February to help protect the main maritime trade route from drone and missile attacks launched by the Yemeni Houthi group, which claims to be doing so in response to the Israeli war on Gaza. Greece is participating in this mission with a frigate.