"EU Red Sea Naval Mission to Protect Ships from Houthi Attacks Set to Launch"

The European Union plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to protect cargo ships from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, with seven EU countries ready to provide ships or planes. The mission, named Aspides, aims to intercept attacks against ships without participating in military strikes against the Houthis. The EU's foreign ministers are expected to sign off on the mission on Feb. 19, and the headquarters for the operation is yet to be decided. The move comes in response to persistent Houthi attacks that have disrupted trade and driven up prices, prompting demands from European businesses for EU action.