ROME, February 19. /TASS/. The EU Foreign Affairs Council has approved a military naval mission to ensure the safety of navigation in the Red Sea.

"At the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council the launch of the naval operation Aspides ('Shields' - TASS) has just been approved," Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani wrote on his X page. He pointed out that Italy was taking command. "Italy is at the forefront of defending the interests of merchant ships and free navigation in the Red Sea. This is an important step towards a common European defense," the Italian minister added.

Earlier, he said that the defense function of this mission, which will include already active military assets located in the zone, will be strengthened. In particular, the military will be authorized to repel attacks, the mission's functions will go beyond "escort." At the same time, Tajani assured that such an EU mission is not directed against Iran and will not strike Yemeni territory.

With the conflict in the Gaza Strip escalating, the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement announced that it would conduct strikes on Israeli territory and block pro-Israeli vessels from passing through the waters of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until Tel Aviv ceases its military operation in the Palestinian enclave. The Houthis have attacked dozens of civilian vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since mid-November of last year.