The “defensive maritime security operation”, dubbed Eunavfor Aspides, comes after Iranian-aligned Houthi terrorists started attacking international shipping in the Red Sea in support of Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in its war with Israel.

“The European Union is responding swiftly to the necessity to restore maritime security and freedom of navigation in a highly strategic maritime corridor,” the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

“Within its defensive mandate, the operation will provide maritime situational awareness, accompany vessels, and protect them against possible multi-domain attacks at sea,” the statement added.

The EU is launching today the naval Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES to contribute to restoring freedom of navigation and protecting merchant shipping.

We are taking bold action to protect the commercial and security interests of the EU & the intl community. https://t.co/busDnuWqMM pic.twitter.com/CuDhtGA10b

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) February 19, 2024

The statement did not specify how many vessels would be involved but EU diplomats previously told Reuters that it would initially involve three vessels under EU command as part of the EU’s so-called Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).

I welcome today’s decision to launch the EU Naval Force Operation Aspides.

Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners.

Beyond crisis response, it's a step towards a stronger European presence at sea to protect our…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 19, 2024

Germany already sent an air defense frigate earlier this month to join the mission, and two diplomats have told Reuters that France and Italy would also contribute.

The EU said the mission would be active along the main sea lines of communication in the Baab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Gulf.