EU launches military operation to defend vessels in the Red Sea

Naval ships of EU member states will be deployed in the Red Sea to safeguard vessels, the European Parliament said.

PHOTO: A Large container ship passing the Suez Canal, Egypt. Getty Images

The EU's maritime mission, European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Aspides, will collaborate closely with the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) to tackle shipping security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It will support OPG's current mission to counter airstrikes and drone attacks carried out by Iran-backed Houthi militants since November last year.

EU member-state Greece will lead this mission, US-based think tank Washington Institute for Near East Policy reported. Military forces from France, Germany, and Italy will also be a part of this mission.

The US and its partners launched the OPG mission in December 2023, to protect the critical waterway and respond to threats against international shipping in the Red Sea. 

By Aparupa Mazumder 

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