On Monday 19 February 2024, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2024/632 on launching the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES). (http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/632/oj).
The Council has appointed Commodore Vasileios Gryparis (Greek Navy) as the Operation Commander. Greece will also host the Operational Headquarters, in Larissa.
Rear Admiral Stefano Costantino, of the Italian Navy, was appointed as the Force Commander.
The EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Area of Operations – AOO, according with its mandate, comprise the Baab al-Mandab Straits and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.
The EUNAVFOR ASPIDES mandate is to:
– accompany vessels in the Area of Operation
– ensure maritime situational awareness in the Area of Operation
– protect vessels against multi-domain attacks at sea, in full respect of international law, including the principles of necessity and proportionally, in a sub-area of the Area of Operation.
EUNAVFOR OPERATION ASPIDES will act in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2272, which demands Houthis to cease all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels and notes the right of to defend vessels against such attacks, in line with international law and will not conduct any strikes on land.
