Kallas said the EU Naval Force Operation Aspides and Operation Atalanta are playing a vital role in maintaining safe navigation through some of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. She made the remarks after visiting Italian and Spanish naval vessels, where she witnessed firsthand the professionalism and dedication of their crews.
According to Kallas, Operation Aspides has already provided protection to more than 670 merchant vessels against the threat of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, helping to ensure the uninterrupted flow of international maritime trade through the Red Sea.
She also noted that Operation Atalanta continues to play a key role in combating piracy and deterring illicit arms trafficking off the Somali coast, contributing significantly to regional stability and maritime security in the western Indian Ocean.
The EU official said the efforts of the naval personnel are essential in keeping some of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes open and secure amid growing security challenges in the region.