EU High Representative Josep Borrell today called on member states to increase their contribution to the European military operation Shields in the Red Sea, following the latest Houthi strike on the Sounio tanker.
“We need more ships, we need more forces. I asked member states to increase the capacity of the Shields mission. Operation Shields successfully protected 217 merchant ships and destroyed 22 missiles and drones launched by the Houthis.
Now the big issue is to avoid the environmental disaster with the oil carried by the Sounion tanker. A solution will be found and we will work together on it,” Borrell said during a press conference he gave shortly after the conclusion of the work of the informal Council of EU Defense Ministers in Brussels.
Josep Borrell stressed that Houthi attacks are becoming more sophisticated, referring to the latest serious escalation in the Red Sea – the attack on the Greek-flagged tanker Sounion. Borrell said that while Operation Shields is operating at full capacity, the number of ships passing through the Suez Canal is decreasing.
Aspides is certainly contributing to the restoration of confidence in maritime shipping, but it must have the necessary means, Borrell said, calling on member states to step up their contribution. He added, finally, that the matter would be discussed further until November, as part of the review of the operation.
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