Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, the commander of the EU coalition in the Red Sea, has called for more than doubling the EU’s naval forces in the region due to an increase in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Since February, four EU ships have been patrolling the waters off the coast of Yemen.
Gryparis stated, “The ships have provided close assistance to 164 vessels, downed more than 12 drones, and destroyed four anti-ship missiles.”
The Houthi attacks, which began in November 2023, have targeted the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.
These attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing many vessels to take longer routes around Africa despite the EU operation and American and British airstrikes initiated in January.
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Gryparis emphasized the need for additional resources: “We do not have enough assets, and the entire area we need to cover is vast. I am urging all member states to provide more assets.”
Gryparis recently visited Brussels to continue his push for additional resources.
He highlighted that “the EU mission has a defensive mandate, and any increase in the size of its fleet patrolling the Red Sea would enhance its geographical scope.”
The Red Sea is a critical maritime route for global trade, and the rising Houthi attacks have posed significant threats to shipping lanes.
The EU’s naval presence aims to protect commercial vessels and ensure safe passage. However, the increasing frequency and sophistication of the attacks have stretched the current resources thin, prompting calls for more support.
The strategic importance of the Red Sea, combined with the volatile security situation, underscores the necessity for enhanced naval operations.
The international community, including the EU, the US, and the UK, continues to coordinate efforts to safeguard these crucial waters and mitigate the impact of the Houthi insurgency on global trade.
