On Thursday, 2 May, the Saeima decided to send troops of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) to participate in the European Union (EU) maritime security operation for the protection of freedom of navigation in connection with the crisis in the Red Sea (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) until 19 February of the following year.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the NAF will start participating in this operation this summer, pointing out to that it will give the NAF an opportunity to gain operational experience in the EU maritime security operation, as well as contribute to the overall competence of the NAF Naval Forces. It will also demonstrate unity with the rest of the EU by contributing to the safety of a major European shipping route.

Maritime safety in the Red Sea has deteriorated rapidly since the end of last year. In response to the situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip, Houthi militias launched attacks on seagoing vessels in the Red Sea region. The Houthi claimed that the attacks were a response to Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip and they targeted vessels related to Israel and its deliveries. At the moment, it is clear that regular attacks are taking place on ships, regardless of their nationality, cargo type and destination, points out in the Ministry of Defence, adding that the Red Sea region is a very important trade and supply route for Europe.

In response to the crisis in the Red Sea, the Council of the EU decided in February this year to set up this operation aimed at escorting, providing situational awareness and surveillance of international vessels, and protecting seagoing vessels from various attacks in accordance with international law.

The operational area of this operation will be the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the Hormuz Strait, as well as the international waters of the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, the Aden, Oman and Persian Gulf.

Saeima Press Service