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Red Sea Mission of EU


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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