In a significant move to ensure the safety of vessels traversing the Red Sea, the European Union (EU) naval mission announced on Sunday that its frigate “Psara” successfully destroyed two drones in the Gulf of Aden.
The operation, part of the EU’s mission “Aespides” launched in February, aims to counter drone and missile attacks on ships in the region.
These attacks are attributed to the Houthi group, which claims its actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict, according to Reuters.
The mission underscores the heightened security measures in the Gulf of Aden, where other nations, including the United States (US), also maintain active naval forces.
Iran-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have revitalized Somali piracy networks, significantly bolstering their numbers and strength, according to a European naval force official.
The Houthis, based in Yemen, began targeting ships in the Red Sea last year, aiming to pressure Israel and its allies concerning the Gaza conflict.
Their campaign has disrupted global shipping operations, forcing many vessels to reroute thousands of miles around South Africa instead of the traditional path.
This diversion has led to a surge in carbon emissions and shipping costs, as ships endure much longer journeys to deliver the same cargo.
