Aspides warns of maritime risks and announces support requests

The commander of the European Union naval operation Aspides, Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, warned of ongoing security challenges facing commercial navigation in the Red Sea, urging vessels to exercise caution, assess risks, and follow security guidelines. Gryparis revealed that the mission received 239 support requests from commercial ships during September 2026, while the total number of requests since its launch in February 2024 exceeded 2,760, with direct protection and escort provided for more than 800 ships. He emphasized that the mission continues its defensive role to protect ships and sailors and ensure freedom of navigation, pointing out that providing warships and additional capabilities depends on decisions by EU member states.