EU Deploys Operation Aspides to Stop Red Sea Attacks

EU Launches ‘Operation Aspides’ in Red Sea

The European Union (EU) has officially launched a new naval mission called Operation Aspides to protect shipping in the Red Sea region. This comes in response to escalating attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi rebels based in Yemen over the last few months.

The Houthis are an Iran-backed militant group that has been fighting Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014. They have increasingly targeted merchant ships in the Red Sea perceived to be linked to Israel, in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the conflict in Gaza. However, many ships with no clear Israel connections have also been hit.

Around 12% of global trade passes through the critical maritime corridor connecting Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Attacks have forced shipping firms to avoid the area, opting for the longer route around Africa instead.

Strategically, coordination with other existing operations will be key. Operation Aspides will collaborate closely with the counter-piracy EUNAVFOR Atalanta mission off Somalia and the separate US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea area.

Background of Red Sea Instability

Yemen has been ravaged by civil war since the Houthis captured the capital Sanaa in 2014 and ousted the government. The conflict intensified when a Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to try reinstating the internationally recognized government.

In late 2022, a UN-brokered truce brought some respite. However, the truce expired in October 2023. The Houthis then began attacking ships near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden.

Their capabilities have been boosted by Iranian support over the years. Iran is accused of smuggling weapons like drones and missiles to the Houthis in violation of a UN arms embargo, enabling attacks on land targets in Saudi Arabia and maritime targets.

The recent turmoil adds another dimension to existing conflicts and tensions simmering across the region. It brings the risk of further escalation and economic impact from disruptions to the Red Sea shipping lane.

Objectives of Operation Aspides

The EU says Operation Aspides will focus on two key objectives:

• Ensuring freedom of navigation and protection of international shipping lanes
• Providing maritime situational awareness and defensive capabilities

Within its strictly defensive mandate, Aspides will not conduct strikes on land. Instead, it will aim to deter attacks and accompany merchant vessels as needed to shield them from potential strikes.

The EU stresses its goals include upholding international maritime law and security for all ships regardless of flag or origin, not just European vessels.

Components of the Operation Aspides

Naval Presence

The operational headquarters will be located in Larissa, Greece under Italian Rear Admiral Stefano Costantino’s command. Greece, Italy, France, Germany and Belgium have so far pledged naval assets for the mission.

The EU says Aspides will have at least 3 ships initially but aims to have 4 vessels operational by February 19 when the mission launches. 7 EU members already have naval resources deployed nearby that could potentially participate.

Command Structure

Greece will host the strategic command center while Italy leads operational duties. France will serve as deputy head of Operation Aspides. This divided structure resulted from negotiations to get key members on board and address concerns about playing a subordinate role.

Participating States

Beyond the core countries providing ships, the EU is also seeking logistical assistance from nearby Djibouti and exploring the possibility of including regional partners in the operation.However, the exact lineup of contributors is still unclear.

Legal and Strategic Framework

As an EU mission, Aspides will operate under the legal framework of relevant UN conventions like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This defines crucial navigational rights and freedoms globally.

Strategically, coordination with other existing operations will be key. Aspides will collaborate closely with the counter-piracy EUNAVFOR Atalanta mission off Somalia and the separate US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea area.

However, Aspides remains distinct from the American coalition. The EU is wary of getting entangled in escalatory strikes the US and allies have conducted against Houthi land targets in response to attacks on shipping.

Challenges and Implications: Operation Aspides

Operation Aspides faces an array of operational, economic and geopolitical complexities.

Addressing Asymmetric Threats

Aspides’ strictly defensive posture could prove challenging against unpredictable asymmetric tactics from non-state actors like the Houthis. They have shown their ability to threaten ships beyond naval deterrence capabilities.

Global Trade Impact

If attacks persist despite Aspides, shipping companies may continue avoiding the Red Sea. This would inflate delivery costs and consumer prices globally. It could also impact oil flows and spur price hikes.

Geopolitical Tensions

The presence of extra-regional navies risks tensions with Iran, which rejects claims of direct control over the Houthis but backs them politically and militarily. Careful diplomacy will be vital for the EU to avoid escalation.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the European naval mission faces an enormously complex task. Its success rests on juggling economic, security and geopolitical imperatives amidst regional unrest. The coming year will test if Operation Aspides can fulfill its ambitious mandate.