Positive interim assessment of the EU military operation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden: EU chief diplomat Borrell speaks of a success. At the same time, he is calling for more support against the Houthi attacks.
The EU military operation to secure commercial shipping through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is clear evidence of the EU’s ability to protect transport routes and defend its interests, according to EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell.
In an initial interim assessment, he spoke of a success: the warships provided by Germany and three other EU states had already accompanied 68 merchant ships through the danger zone and repelled eleven attacks, said the Spaniard.
At the same time, Borrell and the Greek flotilla admiral Vasileios Gryparis, who was responsible for the operation, called on the EU states to make further contributions. “We need to increase our capacity,” Borrell said. Among other things, more logistical support and precautions for medical emergencies are needed.
Sharply increased costs for Container transport
Operation “Aspides” was launched in mid-February by a decision by the foreign ministers of the 27 member states. It is intended to protect merchant ships from attacks by the militant Islamist Houthis from Yemen. The militia wants to force an end to the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, which followed the Hamas massacre in Israel, by shelling ships.
Borrell explained the necessity of the deployment primarily with the threat to the economy. The cost of transporting a container from China to Europe has doubled and insurance costs have increased by 60 percent.
Due to fears of attacks, only around half of the 70 ships normally used each day have recently been using the route through the Red Sea. The other part takes the alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope off South Africa, which, according to Borrell, takes ten to 14 days longer. Before the crisis began, 13 percent of global trade passed through the Red Sea, he said.
Suez Canal and Red Sea are a very important sea route for world trade.
“Hessen” has been used successfully several times
Germany is taking part in the operation with the frigate “Hessen”. It last reported last Saturday evening that an incoming missile had been destroyed. It had already shot down two Houthi drones at the end of February. According to the Bundeswehr, in mid-March it repelled an attack with a surface drone against a civilian towing group.
The 143 meter long frigate is equipped with anti-aircraft missiles and was specifically designed for escort and maritime control. According to the Bundeswehr, the ship can use its special radar to monitor airspace the size of the entire North Sea. The weapon systems are capable of engaging targets at a distance of up to 160 kilometers.