French army frigates destroyed two drones in the Red Sea during the night from Monday to Tuesday after
“detecting multiple drone attacks coming from Yemen”
, the Ministry of the Armed Forces said.
“These actions contribute to maritime security from the Suez Canal to the Strait of Hormuz
,” added the press release, the day after the announcement by the European Union of the launch of its own mission to protect navigation in the region.
Houthi rebels, who control large areas of Yemen, have been carrying out attacks on ships in the region since November.
They claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is waging a bloody war against Hamas in retaliation for the unprecedented October 7 attack on Israeli soil.
France deployed the multi-mission frigate (FREMM) Alsace to the region on January 20, which joined the FREMM Languedoc arriving on December 8, 2023, according to the ministry.
On December 10, Languedoc had to fire Aster 15 anti-aircraft missiles to shoot down two drones that were heading straight towards it.
Such a launch of surface-to-air missiles in self-defense was a first for the French Navy.
Western reaction
Faced with Houthi attacks, the United States set up a multinational maritime protection force in the Red Sea in December, called
“Prosperity Guardian”
, while the European Union announced on Monday the official launch of a similar mission, planned for one year and possibly renewable.
It will be able to fire to defend merchant ships or defend itself, but will not be able to target objectives on land against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen, according to diplomats.
Several countries have expressed their intention to participate, notably Belgium, Italy, Germany and France.
Spain has indicated that it will not participate.
A European military source explained to AFP on Monday that the mission would provide
“support, surveillance and possibly protection”
in the area, with Greece in command of the operation (strategic level) and Italy in command of the force ( tactical level).
“We are at the political declaration stage.
Member countries will be able to send their contributions.
This declaration was needed to launch the operation
,” said this source, adding that Europe was
“not starting from scratch”
in the region since several buildings are already deployed there.