A new Italian warship has joined the European Union fleet in the Red Sea, west of Yemen, which is charged with protecting and securing international shipping lanes in the region from Houthi attacks.

The European Union naval mission (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) said in a tweet on its account on the “X” platform on Tuesday: “We warmly welcome the Italian destroyer (ITS CAIO DUILIO) and its crew, who will play a decisive role in supporting our mission by contributing to the freedom of... Navigation throughout the area of ​​operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

She added that the Italian destroyer will replace its fellow frigate (ITS ANDREA DORIA), which joined the European mission in late July, and carried out many direct protection missions for the benefit of commercial ships passing through the “ASPEDS” area of ​​operations.

Aspidus stressed that its efforts “contribute to preserving local natural resources, supporting regional prosperity and economic growth for all countries bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden by securing vital maritime trade routes.”

The European Union launched its naval operation “Aspidus” on February 19, 2024, in the wake of the escalation of Houthi attacks on Western commercial and warships in the Red Sea region and the northwestern Indian Ocean. The headquarters of the operation is located in the Greek city of Larissa, and its naval fleet consists of Ships, frigates, and naval crews from 21 European countries, whose mission is defensive only, as they have the right to fire to defend commercial ships or to defend themselves; But it cannot strike ground targets belonging to the Houthi group in northern Yemen.