The European Union (EU) has officially requested its member states to bolster military assets to ensure safety in the Red Sea, a crucial maritime transport route in the Middle East. This request comes as security threats from the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified, leading to a significant shortfall in operational capabilities.
Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urged member states to contribute during a meeting of foreign ministers in New York on September 22, stating, "The crisis level in the Red Sea has escalated rapidly, making the deployment of naval and air forces urgent."
Since 2024, the EU has been conducting Operation Aspides to support the safe passage of commercial vessels in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait area. However, Borrell pointed out that at least 10 warships need to be stationed to effectively carry out the mission, a target that is currently not being met.
According to reports from Reuters and others, only six vessels have been deployed so far, primarily from Italy and Greece.
The lack of naval presence has become more pronounced as the Houthi rebels rapidly expand their influence along the Red Sea coast. Disruptions in these maritime chokepoints could lead to logistical challenges, directly impacting the European economy through rising oil prices.
Borrell warned, "If key maritime points like the Black Sea, Hormuz, and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait are destabilized, the repercussions will be felt globally," urging member states to actively discuss plans to expand operational support in upcoming ministerial meetings.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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