Red Sea — The European naval mission tasked with safeguarding international shipping lanes announced that an Italian frigate operating under its command successfully escorted a group of merchant vessels through the Red Sea this week.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES said in a statement posted Wednesday on its official account on platform X that the frigate Marceglia “succeeded in providing precise protection to commercial ships transiting the Red Sea, ensuring crews and cargoes reached their destinations safely.”

The operation marked the first mission for Marceglia in December, following three similar escort operations carried out last month in the same waters.

ASPides emphasized that the European force, “with its defensive mandate, contributes to regional stability and prosperity by ensuring the safety of seafarers and protecting shared global goods.”

The mission also noted earlier this week that its naval assets have provided support and protection to more than 1,380 merchant vessels during their passage through the southern Red Sea over the past 22 months. 

That stretch of water has faced repeated attacks on international shipping by the Houthi group since late 2023.

Launched earlier this year, ASPIDES coordinates naval assets from several EU member states to counter threats to maritime security in one of the world’s most vital trade corridors.