French army destroys two drones in Red Sea after “detecting multiple attacks coming from Yemen”

French army frigates destroyed two drones in the Red Sea after “having detected multiple drone attacks originating from Yemen”on the night of Monday February 19 to Tuesday February 20, announced the Ministry of the Armed Forces. “These actions contribute to maritime security from the Suez Canal to the Strait of Hormuz”underlines the text, the day after the announcement by the European Union of the launch of Aspides, 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.

Two French frigates in the region

France has deployed the multi-mission frigate (FREMM) in the region Alsace on January 20, who joined the FREMM Languedoc arrival on December 8, 2023, according to the ministry. On December 10, the Languedoc had to fire Aster 15 anti-aircraft missiles to shoot down two drones which were heading straight towards her. Such a launch of surface-to-air missiles in self-defense was a first for the French Navy.

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 the official launch of a similar mission, planned for one year and possibly renewable, but which has not yet been established in practice.