On 9 March 2024, between 0400 and 0700 (Djibouti time), an EUNAVFOR ASPIDES French destroyer identified 4 UAVs flying an attack profile from Houthi controlled territories.

The drones posed a direct threat to the freedom of navigation over the Gulf of Aden and were shot down.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has a defensive mandate, to protect shipping targeted by attacks at sea or air. Any response will always come as a consequence of an attack and be necessary, proportionate and limited to international sea or air space.