The European Union mission "ASPEDS" announced the appointment of a new commander for its forces, and the addition of an Italian frigate to its fleet in the Red Sea, which is charged with protecting and securing international shipping lanes in the region from attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Aspides said in a blog post on the

She added that this took place “in a ceremony attended by the Commander of the European Naval Operation Aspides, Admiral Vassilios Gribaris, and officials from Greece, Italy, Djibouti, and the European Union.”

She continued, "As Operation Force Commander, Admiral Massimo Bono supported the European Union's concrete commitment to protecting freedom of navigation, the lives of seafarers and the world's shared wealth."

In a separate statement, the mission announced the addition of a new Italian war frigate to its fleet in the Red Sea, and said in a blog post on its account on the “X” platform: “We warmly welcome the Italian destroyer (ITS CAIO DUILIO) and its crew, who will play a decisive role in supporting... Our mission is to contribute to freedom of navigation throughout the region.”

ASPEDS stressed that its efforts “contribute to achieving regional prosperity and economic growth by securing vital maritime trade routes.”

Since February 19, 2024, the ASPEDS mission has been leading defensive naval operations to secure international shipping traffic from attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

Since last November, the Iranian-backed Houthi militia has been launching attacks with drones and missiles on cargo ships while sailing in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, and says it is supporting Gaza, which has been subjected to a devastating Israeli war since last October 7.

These attacks negatively affected the movement of shipping, trade, and global supply chains, as many companies resorted to longer routes for safety purposes. They also harmed the economies of the countries bordering the Red Sea, especially Egypt