The EU approved the deployment of the mission against the Houthis in the Red Sea

European Union countries have approved the deployment of a naval mission in the Red Sea.

The heads of the ministries of foreign affairs of the EU countries have approved the deployment of ships in the Red Sea to protect ships from the Houthis, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said.

“I welcome today’s decision to launch EU Naval Operation Aspides. Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working together with our international partners. In addition to responding to the crisis, this is a step towards strengthening the European presence at sea to protect our European interests,” commented the head of the European Commission.

As part of the Aspides operation, the EU countries will transfer warships and air early warning systems to the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the adjacent waters.

Ships will be able to attack fighters on command if they attack first. The operational command will be based in Larissa (Greece).

The USM previously reported that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the destruction of the first underwater drone of the Yemeni Houthis.