European Task Force Struggles to Secure Red Sea amid Houthi Rebel Attacks
The European task force created three months ago to protect ships in the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks is struggling to fulfill its assigned tasks. Recent reports in European media and announcements by governments on the continent have highlighted this issue, which has raised concerns about the mission’s effectiveness.
Aspides, led jointly by the Greek and Italian navies, was established by the European Union as part of efforts to restore security to the region alongside the US-led coalition Prosperity Guardian. However, the Yemeni rebels have proven to be a more complex threat than expected, as stated by Greek admiral Vasilios Grifari.
One of the challenges faced by Aspides is a successful attack by Yemeni rebels that compromised the air defense systems of European ships. With only three active battleships in the mission and limited intelligence coverage, it is difficult for Aspides to meet the demands placed on it by the European Union. Recent data shows a significant decrease in ships passing through the Red Sea, which could potentially impact international trade.
The withdrawal of a German battleship from the mission due to competing priorities has further complicated matters. Efforts are being made to address this shortfall by requesting temporary replacements from countries like Holland and Belgium, but their participation remains uncertain. The lack of vessels and resources has hindered Aspides’ ability to safeguard maritime traffic in
