The European Union launched a maritime mission in the Red Sea today, Monday, "to restore and protect freedom of navigation" in the region. The "Maritime Security Defensive Operation," named "EUNAVFOR AESPIDOS," was initiated in response to attacks by Iranian-aligned Houthi militants on international shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in its conflict with Israel.
The statement did not specify the number of ships that will participate in the mission, and a spokesperson for the EU did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, EU diplomats told Reuters earlier that the mission will initially involve three ships under the bloc's leadership as part of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy. Germany has already deployed an air defense frigate earlier this month to join the mission, and two diplomats stated that France and Italy will also participate.
The EU noted that the mission will be active along major maritime communication lines in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as in international waters of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the Gulf.
