Why is it in the news?
- The European Union has initiated a Red Sea mission called Mission Aspides, with the objective of safeguarding shipping in the Red Sea region from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Objectives of Mission Aspides
- Mission Aspides, set for an initial duration of one year, aims to safeguard civilian shipping in the Red Sea region.
- It emphasizes the protection of vital maritime routes and ensures the safety of vessels transiting through the area.
- The mission explicitly states that no attacks will be conducted on Yemeni soil, aiming to mitigate civilian casualties and collateral damage.
Need for a Mission in the Red Sea Region
Disruption of Shipping Lanes by Houthis:
- Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, controlling significant portions of war-torn Yemen, have been disrupting the crucial shipping lane in the Red Sea region.
- Their actions have posed a threat to maritime traffic, affecting global trade and security in the region.
Solidarity with Palestinians:
- The Houthis justify their actions as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are seen as part of their broader geopolitical agenda and regional influence.
Recent Attacks on U.S. Ship:
- A Greek-flagged cargo ship owned by the United States was attacked twice in the Gulf of Aden, near the Red Sea, highlighting the escalating tensions and security risks in the region.
- These attacks underscore the urgency for international intervention to protect civilian shipping and maintain stability in the Red Sea.
| About the Red Sea
· The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean situated between Africa and Asia. · It is linked to the Indian Ocean in the south via the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden. · The northern border of the Red Sea includes the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez. · Countries bordering the Red Sea include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti. · The strategic location of the Red Sea makes it a critical maritime passage for international trade and commerce. Significance: · About 80% of the outbound shipments to Europe take place through the Red Sea region. · It is vital for 30% of global container traffic and 12% of global trade. · The disruption has led to an increase in freight costs, insurance premiums, and longer transit times, potentially making imported goods significantly more expensive. · It could significantly impact India’s exports to Europe. About the Houthis · The Houthis are a rebel group involved in a prolonged civil war with the Yemeni government for nearly a decade. · They control significant territories in northern Yemen, including the official capital, Sanaa, while the Yemeni government operates from Aden. · The Houthis are named after the Houthi tribe and adhere to Zaydi Shia beliefs, a branch of Shia Islam. · The group is backed by Iran, which provides them with military and financial support. · Conversely, the Yemeni government is supported by Saudi Arabia and Western countries, leading to a complex geopolitical landscape in the region.
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