NYN | News
The European Union’s Operation Aspides announced this week that the Italian destroyer Andrea Doria has departed the Red Sea, further reducing the number of warships participating in the mission, which continues to face mounting challenges.
In a post on X, the operation stated: “We bid farewell to the crew of the Italian destroyer (Andrea Doria) with deep appreciation for their exceptional support and contributions to Operation (Aspides). The ship played a pivotal role in advancing the mission’s security objectives. We wish them a safe journey home and calm seas.”
The Italian destroyer joined the European mission in July as part of an initiative launched in February to escort ships in the Red Sea amid increasing attacks by Sana’a forces on vessels linked to Israel, the United States, and Britain. The operation was designed as an independent effort separate from the U.S.-led Operation Sentinel, with the EU seeking to avoid direct confrontation with Sana’a forces through a limited defensive mission.
However, the mission has faced recurring challenges since its inception, including the withdrawal of German, Danish, French, and Belgian frigates—some due to attacks and others because of technical issues. In September, the former mission commander highlighted the limited number of participating warships and its impact on the mission’s ability to achieve its objectives.
The withdrawal of the Italian destroyer further exacerbates the difficulties faced by Aspides, especially following its earlier failures to protect vessels subjected to direct attacks. Notably, the mission was unable to assist the ship Sonion, which was stormed and destroyed by Sana’a forces in August, underscoring the mission’s inability to counter the escalating maritime threats in the region.
