Andrea Doria

Greece is set to assume naval command of Operation Aspides, an EU military mission launched in response to missile and drone attacks, since last November, on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who view Israel as an enemy.

With several fires still burning on the Greek-flagged Sounion oil tanker since the attack by Iranian pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on August 21, Greece is taking a leading role in the effort to tow it to prevent an environmental disaster.

A major operation is underway to tow the Greek-owned tanker Sounion, which is on fire in the Red Sea. The vessel, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, was struck by Yemeni Houthi rebels on August 21.

To avoid an environmental disaster, warships from the European Aspides mission are escorting the two tugboats and the tanker.

Europe's top human rights organization asked Italy for more information on its work intercepting migrants at sea, warning that any moves to return them to Libya would break international treaties.