ADEN — The European Union has announced that its naval task force deployed to safeguard international maritime navigation in the Red Sea has successfully secured the passage of approximately 1,200 commercial vessels since the launch of its mission in early 2024.

The announcement underscores the strategic importance of the Red Sea corridor, which has faced mounting threats due to regional instability, including attacks on shipping lanes by Houthi forces operating from Yemen.

The EU’s naval operation, part of its broader maritime security initiative known as Operation ASPIDES, aims to ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade through one of the world’s busiest and most vital waterways.

In a statement released Saturday, EU officials emphasized that the mission is purely defensive and designed to protect civilian shipping from hostile actions. The task force includes warships from multiple EU member states, equipped with advanced surveillance and interception capabilities.

“The EU remains committed to upholding freedom of navigation and protecting international trade routes,” the statement read. “Our naval assets have played a critical role in deterring threats and enabling the safe transit of vessels through the Red Sea.”

The operation has gained renewed urgency amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following attacks on commercial ships since late 2023. The EU’s efforts complement a broader international coalition led by the United States, which also maintains a naval presence in the region.

Security analysts note that the EU’s success in securing maritime traffic reflects growing European assertiveness in global security affairs, particularly in regions where economic interests and geopolitical risks intersect.