In recent publications, it has been highlighted that the European task force, named Aspides, established three months ago to protect ships in the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks is struggling to fulfill its assigned tasks. The task force, led jointly by the Greek and Italian navies, was created by the European Union in February as part of efforts to restore security to the region. However, the threat posed by Yemeni rebels has proven to be more complex than expected, as revealed by statements made by Greek admiral Vasilios Grifari.
The mission has faced challenges such as a successful attack by Yemeni rebels that compromised the air defense systems of European ships. With only three active battleships in the mission and limited intelligence coverage, Aspides is struggling to meet the demands placed on it by the European Union. Recent data shows a significant decrease in the number of ships passing through the Red Sea, indicating a potential impact on international trade.
The situation is further complicated by the withdrawal of German battleship from the mission due to competing priorities in other regions. Efforts are being made to address this shortfall by requesting temporary replacements from countries like Holland and Belgium, though their participation remains uncertain. The mission’s effectiveness has been hindered by a lack of vessels and resources, leading to concerns about its ability to safeguard maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
The ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels have disrupted shipping routes and pose a significant threat to regional stability. The limitations of Aspides have raised questions about its ability to address escalating crisis in Red Sea region while efforts are being made to enhance its capabilities and secure vital shipping lanes.