EU's naval mission repelled 11 attacks in Red Sea since February

The European Union's foreign affairs chief said the bloc's naval mission has repelled 11 attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea, by Yemen's Houthi group, since the mission was approved in late Februaray. 

“In less than two months since the operation was launched, the operation has escorted 68 vessels and has repelled 11 attacks,” Josep Borrell told journalists.

Naval vessels participating in the mission are providing armed escorts to commercial ships navigating the Red Sea.

Yemen’s Houthis, officially known as Ansarallah, say the attacks are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, forcing some vessels to take alternative routes, including a two-week detour around the tip of southern Africa. 

"This is 10 to 14 days more of travelling. The cost of a container transported from China to Europe has doubled," Borrell said.

In a press conference, the operation commander, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, also said "our ships have shot down nine unmanned aerial vehicles, one unmanned surface vessel, and four anti-ship ballistic missiles".