EU Admiral Calls for Increase in Warships to Improve Red Sea Cargo Traffic

The head of EU force protecting cargo ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, stated that the operation has achieved its goals, but more warships are needed for freight traffic to increase. Operation Aspides, launched by the EU in February, aims to protect international shipping from Houthi attacks in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The Houthis have targeted Israeli, British, and American ships, disrupting traffic through the vital trade route off Yemen’s coasts. The US defense department reported that Houthi rebels have attacked ships at least 50 times since November. These attacks have driven up insurance costs for vessels transiting the Red Sea, leading many shipping firms to take the longer route around Africa. So far, the EU operation has escorted 79 ships without any sustaining damage, but more resources are needed to expand protection to more ships.