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Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen have become a hotspot for maritime unrest. They target ships passing through the Red Sea perceived to be aligned with Israel.
Red Sea turbulence may escalate as European Union member states are set to launch a naval mission in the region by mid-February to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants. Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen have become a hotspot for maritime unrest. They target ships passing through the Red Sea perceived to be aligned with Israel.
The Houthis claim solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza. They claim that the actions (ship attacks) are a response to the perceived genocide in the occupied Palestinian territory. The EU operation would be named Aspides – meaning protector. Its mandate would be to protect commercial and intercept attacks, but not take part in strikes against the Houthis.
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Approximately 40% of EU trade with Asian and Middle Eastern countries traverses Red Sea waters. France, Greece, and Italy have shown interest in leading the mission. Seven countries, so far indicated, they would be willing to send naval assets. The EU faces the risk of inadvertently escalating tensions in the region.
