On its first anniversary, Aspedas announces support and protection for more than 650 commercial ships in the Red Sea

The European Union's naval mission "Aspedes" announced that it provided support and protection to more than 650 commercial ships during their passage in the Red Sea region, west of Yemen, during the year since the launch of the operation.

This came in a statement published on the X platform, Wednesday, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the start of the operation that was launched on February 19, 2024, to confront Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

“Today marks one year since our mission was launched in the Red Sea area of operations, and throughout that time our personnel have stood firm in one of the world’s most vital maritime regions, safeguarding global commons,” Aspides said.

She added in a video attached to the post that her military assets provided close support and protection to more than 650 commercial ships as they crossed the southern part of the Red Sea.

Today marks one year of Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES!

12 months of relentless dedication. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES personnel have stood firm in one of the world's most vital maritime regions, safeguarding global common goods.

Defeating multi-domain threats at sea
· Contributing to… pic.twitter.com/0vwOIIRYcD

- EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) February 19, 2025

Aspidis noted that its members had succeeded in 12 months of tireless dedication in “confronting multi-domain threats at sea, contributing to freedom of navigation, securing vital trade routes, and enabling regional stability and prosperity.”

The European mission affirmed its commitment to implementing its defensive missions aimed at preserving and enhancing maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region, while giving priority to the safety of sailors, protecting commercial ships and securing their passage through the Red Sea.

Last Friday, the European Union Council approved extending the mandate of the Aspides naval mission for an additional year, ending on February 28, 2026.