European Union vessel intercepts and neutralizes Houthi rebel drone launched from Yemen in Red Sea

A drone launched from an area in Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels was intercepted by the EU’s mission in the Red Sea on Thursday morning, according to a top military officer.

The unmanned aerial device was shot down by a frigate that’s part of an EU mission in the Middle Eastern waterway to protect merchant shipping.

Austrian General Robert Brieger, who is chair of the EU’s military committee, emphasized the importance of conserving resources in the face of ongoing threats posed by Houthi attacks. He highlighted the connection between these attacks and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“The task given to the military is simply to protect merchant ships and to show the public that the European Union is not willing to accept a terrorist organization interrupting the freedom of movement at sea,” Brieger stated.

The EU mission, named Aspides, meaning “shields” in Greek, aims to defend civilian vessels in the Red Sea. The commander of the mission, Greek Rear Admiral Vasilios Gryparis, is pushing for an increase in resources to better defend against potential Houthi attacks.

The EU naval mission in the Red Sea was established in February and does not engage in military strikes. However, the area is considered high-risk due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The rebels have targeted shipping in the Red Sea with drone and missile attacks, impacting maritime trade to Egypt and Europe. The attacks have led to delays in shipping and increased transport costs.

Despite retaliatory airstrikes led by the US, the Houthi campaign continues as they seek to pressure Israel to end its conflict in Gaza. However, the targets of their attacks have had little to no connection to the ongoing conflict.

The EU mission in the Red Sea remains vigilant in protecting merchant ships and ensuring the safety of civilian vessels in the region.