Global
The commander of the European Union naval mission in the Red Sea, Admiral Vassilios Gribaris, warned of ongoing security challenges affecting commercial navigation in the area, urging all vessels to exercise caution, carefully assess risks, and adhere to issued security guidelines. He revealed that during September 2026, the mission received a total of 239 support requests from commercial ships, bringing the cumulative number of requests since the mission’s launch in February 2024 to approximately 2,760. Over 800 vessels have been directly protected and escorted during this period. The admiral emphasized that the mission continues to fulfill its core defensive role in safeguarding ships and seafarers while ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. He noted that the provision of additional warships and enhanced capabilities depends on decisions made by the European Union member states.
