The EU’s maritime security operation in the Red Sea, European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Aspides, has said a merchant vessel safely transited the sea under the protection of an Italian frigate, Al Jazeera reports.
Launched in February 2024, EUNAVFOR Aspides describes itself as an operation “to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis”.
It aims to “accompany vessels”, “ensure maritime situational awareness” and “protect vessels against multi-domain attacks” in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, according to the mission.