Mission Aspides-EU launches Red Sea mission

Source-This post on Mission Aspides-EU launches Red Sea mission is based on the article “EU launches Red Sea mission as U.S. ship attacked twice” published in “The Hindu” on 20th February 2024.

Why in the News?

The European Union has recently launched a Red Sea mission named Mission Aspides, which aims to protect shipping in the Red Sea region from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

What is the need for a mission in the Red Sea region?

1. The Iran-backed Houthis, who exert control over much of war-torn Yemen, have been disrupting the vital shipping lane in the Red Sea region since November 2023.

2. They claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

3. Recently, a Greek-flagged cargo ship owned by the U.S. was attacked twice in the Gulf of Aden, near the Red Sea.

4. The EU states that the mission Aspides, initially set for one year, is aimed at safeguarding civilian shipping in the Red Sea and assures that no attacks will be conducted on Yemeni soil.

About Red Sea

1. Location:
a. The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean lying between Africa and Asia.
b. It is connected to the Indian Ocean in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden.
c. To the north of the Red Sea lies the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez.

2. Bordering Countries: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti.

Who are Houthis?

1. The Houthis are a rebel group in Yemen. They have been fighting a civil war with the Yemen government for almost a decade.

2. They are named after the Houthi tribe who follow Zaydi Shia beliefs.

3. They are in power in northern Yemen, including the official capital Sanaa. The official government now operates from Aden.

4. They are supported by Iran. On the other hand, the Yemen government is backed by Saudi Arabia and Western countries.

UPSC Syllabus- Geography and Places in news/ International Relations