EU launches mission to safeguard shipping in Red Sea

The European Union has officially launched a mission aimed at safeguarding international shipping in the Red Sea from attacks orchestrated by Yemen's Huthis, announced EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen emphasised that Europe is committed to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, in collaboration with international partners. The Huthis, who exert control over significant portions of conflict-ridden Yemen, have been targeting the crucial shipping route since November. They claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. An EU official disclosed that the bloc intends to commence the mission, named Aspides (Greek for shield), within "a few weeks," deploying a minimum of four vessels. The overall commander will be Greek, while the lead officer overseeing operations at sea will be Italian, as per the EU official. Italian top diplomat Antonio Tajani affirmed the launch during a Brussels meeting of foreign ministers, hailing it as "an important step towards common European defense." France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium have all expressed intentions to contribute ships. The EU asserts that the mission's initial mandate, set for one year, is to safeguard civilian shipping in the Red Sea, with a commitment not to conduct attacks "on Yemeni soil." Meanwhile, the United States leads its naval coalition in the region and has carried out strikes against the Huthis in Yemen, alongside Britain. Continuous military-to-military contact is expected to facilitate coordination between the EU and other forces in the area, according to an EU official. The agreement on the Red Sea mission among the EU's 27 member countries transpired in a matter of weeks. Concerns are mounting that Huthi attacks could adversely impact economies and escalate inflation.