EU to launch one-year Operation Aspides in Red Sea

The European Union will launch Operation Aspides (Shields) in the Red Sea on February 19 for one year, Report informs via TASS.

"The launch will take place on Monday. It is understood that the tasks will be completed within the specified time frame," a high-ranking EU representative told reporters in Brussels ahead of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the 27 community countries on February 19.

The goal of Operation Aspides is to play an active role in protecting the strategic interests of European states, mitigate the negative impact of disruption of one of the world's largest trade arteries, such as the Red Sea, on the global economy and also ensure maritime security in the region.