Red Sea Protection Force Struggles to Keep Up with Houthi Rebel Attacks: Concerns over Mission Effectiveness and Capacity

The European task force, named Aspides, was established three months ago to protect ships in the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks. However, recent publications in European media and announcements made by governments on the continent have revealed that the task force is struggling to fulfill its assigned tasks. This information has sparked concerns about its ability to safeguard maritime traffic in the region.

The mission, led jointly by the Greek and Italian navies, was modeled after similar task forces deployed to combat Somali pirates in the Horn of Africa. However, the threat posed by Yemeni rebels has proven to be more complex. According to statements made by Greek admiral Vasilios Grifari, head of the mission, challenges such as a successful attack by Yemeni rebels that compromised the air defense systems of European ships have hindered their efforts.

With only three active battleships in the mission and limited intelligence coverage, Aspides is struggling to meet the demands placed on it by the European Union. Recent data shows a significant decrease in the number of ships passing through the Red Sea, indicating a potential impact on international trade. The situation is further complicated by Germany withdrawing its battleship from the mission due to competing priorities in other regions.

Efforts are being made to address this shortfall by requesting temporary replacements from countries like Holland and Belgium. However, their participation remains uncertain due to competing priorities and limited resources available for such endeavors. The mission’s effectiveness has been hindered by a lack of vessels and resources, leading to concerns about its ability to safeguard maritime traffic in the Red Sea effectively.

The ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels have disrupted shipping routes and pose a significant threat to regional stability. The limitations of Aspides have raised questions about its ability to address this escalating crisis effectively while efforts continue towards enhancing its capabilities and securing vital shipping lanes in this volatile region.