father-in-law
Bab al-Mandab
European Union foreign policy chief, Kaya Kallas, called on the bloc’s countries to strengthen the European naval operation “ASPEDS” in the Red Sea, by providing warships and additional air capabilities, in light of the increasing threats facing shipping traffic in the region..
Callas said on Monday that the situation in the Red Sea is deteriorating, directly affecting European interests and the global economy, noting that the attacks carried out by the Houthis have caused damage to international trade.
The European official stressed that Operation Aspids makes an important contribution to protecting navigation and the security of the region, but the high level of threats requires strengthening its naval and air capabilities so that it can fully carry out its tasks.
Italian request to strengthen the operation
Callas’ call comes at a time when the European Union, in response to an Italian request, is studying the possibility of sending additional ships and aircraft to the Red Sea region, with the aim of enhancing the protection of commercial ships passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the most important sea lanes linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Callas had sent, in a letter to the governments of the European Union countries dated September 19, a call to provide more equipped naval and air capabilities, in addition to enhancing the operation’s ability to provide close protection for commercial ships.
The importance of Bab al-Mandab
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a strategic corridor for global trade, as it connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and from there to the Indian Ocean. The deterioration of the security situation in the region during the recent period has increased the risks facing commercial ships, and prompted some maritime transport companies to re-evaluate their routes.
The European Union believes that the continuing threats in the region have an impact not only on maritime security, but also extend to supply chains, international trade, and the European economy.
