THE European Union has launched a naval mission to protect cargo ships in the Red Sea from attacks from Yemen's Houthi forces, reports Aljazeera.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision to deploy Naval Force Operation Aspides.
'Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners,' she said.'Beyond crisis response, it's a step towards a stronger European presence at sea.'
The naval mission will send European warships and airborne early warning systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.
Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the launch during a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, Belgium, calling it 'an important step towards common European defence'.
SeaNews Turkey
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision to deploy Naval Force Operation Aspides.
'Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners,' she said.'Beyond crisis response, it's a step towards a stronger European presence at sea.'
The naval mission will send European warships and airborne early warning systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.
Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the launch during a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, Belgium, calling it 'an important step towards common European defence'.
SeaNews Turkey
