Kallas urges EU countries to bolster Red Sea mission as Houthi threats mount
The EU is considering reinforcing Operation Aspides in the Red Sea, after Italy's request, with ships and aircraft to protect the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from attacks launched from Yemen. The passage is crucial for energy trade, as energy costs are skyrocketing across Europe.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on European nations to bolster the Aspides mission in the Red Sea following Houthi threats to navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This vital route links the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean, and Houthi actions, like seizing ports, have already harmed European interests. Italy and Greece have provided the mission's three core ships, temporarily supported by vessels from six other EU countries.
Kallas urged national governments to propose actions regarding the operational ways of the EU missions, including the potential need for air cover. EU defense ministers are scheduled to discuss the issue in Brussels on September 28th, with a Foreign Affairs Council meeting following in Luxembourg on October 12th. While naval deployment may be insufficient, analysts suggest air support against the Houthis' control of large parts of Yemen's coast is crucial.
The Aspides mission, primarily led by Greece, has been authorized to use force to protect merchant vessels from Houthi attacks. Italy, facing a critical situation with lost military assets, is most exposed to these threats and demands more military and financial contributions from other EU states.
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