Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Monday that the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels has approved the launch of the new “ASPIDES” operation aimed at securing commercial navigation in the Red Sea from attacks by the Houthi group in Yemen.
Tajani stated on his social media accounts: “At the EU Foreign Affairs Council, we have just agreed to initiate the military maritime operation ASPIDES, with Italy leading its forces.”
He emphasized, “Italy is at the forefront of protecting commercial shipping interests and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.” He described it as “a significant step towards a joint European defense,” as reported by the Italian news agency ANSA.
The “ASPIDES” operation is set to initially last for one year and is open to participation from third countries. Its mission is to complement American and British efforts to halt Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, following the outbreak of the Israeli war in Gaza.
