EU launches naval mission in Red Sea to counter Houthi attacks

The European Union has launched a naval mission in the Red Sea to counter attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels as a US-owned cargo vessel repeatedly came under fire.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday said the new mission - called Aspides, Greek for shield - would be up and running in a "few weeks" with at least four vessels.

"Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners," she said.

On Monday, a maritime security firm said that a Greek-flagged, US-owned cargo ship had been attacked twice in two hours in the Gulf of Aden.

The Houthis, officially named Ansar Allah, have been launching attacks in the Red Sea for several months in an attempt to disrupt shipping, in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza being bombed by Israel.