Details of the European "ASPIDES" Plan for Protecting the Red Sea

Sources from "Al Arabiya/Al Hadath" reported that European Union countries have approved the European "ASPIDES" plan for securing navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The sources indicated that Greece will be the leader of this mission, which comes from a Greek word meaning shield or protection. They also revealed that February 19 is the launch date for "ASPIDES" in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The sources disclosed that the budget for the European "ASPIDES" mission fleet is 8 million euros provided by the EU treasury. In the forthcoming phase, an operational plan will be prepared along with rules of engagement and the formation of the naval and air force that will oversee patrols in the waters over the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.