The European Union’s official representative of the foreign policy service, Peter Stano, has stated that the EU’s naval mission in the Red Sea, Aspides, will be capable of destroying projectiles aimed at commercial vessels by the Houthis. This was reported by RIA Novosti.
“Operation Aspides, which was formally launched yesterday by the foreign ministers, is a defensive naval operation,” he said.
According to Stano, the mission’s task is to protect ships in the Red Sea and partially in the Persian Gulf.
“As it has a defensive task of protecting ships, intercepting and destroying anything aimed at these commercial vessels is certainly part of this defensive task,” the official noted.
It became known yesterday that the Council of EU Foreign Ministers approved the creation of a military naval mission to ensure the safety of navigation in the Red Sea. Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani, stated that Rome will be in charge of the mission’s command. He added that Italy is “at the forefront of defending the interests of trading vessels and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.”
Previously, Borrell stated that the EU member states’ naval mission would be defensive.
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EU Launches Naval Mission Aspides to Protect Commercial Vessels in the Red Sea
In a move to ensure the safety of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the European Union has launched the naval mission Aspides. The mission, approved by the Council of EU Foreign Ministers, aims to protect ships and intercept any threats posed by the Houthis.
Peter Stano, the official representative of the EU’s foreign policy service, emphasized that Aspides is a defensive operation. Its primary objective is to safeguard commercial vessels in the Red Sea and parts of the Persian Gulf. Stano further stated that the mission includes intercepting and destroying any projectiles targeted at these ships.
Italy, taking a leading role in the mission, will oversee its command. Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, expressed his country’s commitment to defending the interests of trading vessels and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
The EU’s decision to establish a military naval mission demonstrates its dedication to protecting international trade routes and ensuring the safety of commercial vessels. By intercepting and neutralizing threats, Aspides will contribute to maintaining stability and security in the region.
Critics argue that this mission could escalate tensions in the Red Sea and exaggerate the threat posed by the Houthis. However, the EU remains committed to defending its interests and those of its partners, prioritizing the safety and security of international trade. Aspides will play a vital role in achieving these objectives, providing a necessary defense against any potential threats in the region.
