Escalation of Yemeni Operations Drives 39% Surge in European Escort Requests in the Red Sea
US Report: Operation Aspides records a sharp rise in commercial vessel escort requests amid growing maritime risks, while Saudi Arabia moves to enhance its maritime security
NYN | Reports and Analyses
American website The War Zone has revealed a significant surge in commercial vessel escort requests submitted to the European Union’s naval force, Operation Aspides, coinciding with the escalation of Yemeni military operations in the Red Sea and heightened risks facing maritime navigation in the region.
The website quoted the commander of Operation Aspides, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, stating that the number of protection requests from commercial ships has increased by 39% since February 2026. This trend reflects a growing reliance by shipping companies on the European force to secure transit through the southern Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
Aspides Commander: Targeted Vessels Had Not Requested Escorts
According to the report, Gryparis noted that the vessels targeted in recent attacks had neither requested an escort from Operation Aspides nor registered with the Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSCIO). He emphasized that utilizing naval escort services significantly reduces risks for commercial shipping.
Saudi Jurisdiction Over Incident Zones
The report highlighted that the targeted ships were navigating within territorial waters falling under the responsibility of the Saudi Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, placing the management of these incidents within the jurisdiction of Saudi maritime and rescue authorities.
Saudi Moves Amid Continued Escalation
The War Zone added that Riyadh is moving to reinforce its maritime arrangements by working to establish a dedicated coalition to protect shipping linked to the Kingdom, amid ongoing security tensions in the Red Sea.
This comes as the leader of the Ansar Allah movement, Sayyid Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, reaffirmed the continuation of the “blockade-for-blockade” policy, announcing the blockage of 16 Saudi-linked vessels as part of the regional maritime escalation and its growing impact on international trade and navigation.
