<p><span>Maritime interception operations have emerged as a tool in the fight against the widespread threat posed in the maritime domain by various groups in the al-Qa'ida milieu. Most of these operations have been conducted by the United States in self-defence. More specifically, these operations have been extended to the fight against terrorism. They have been carried out by multinational forces by intercepting the transport of people and equipment that pose a threat to allied countries.</span></p><span>Recent attacks by the Houthis against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea have prompted the international community to conduct defensive maritime security operations. This paper aims to provide a legal review of the recent Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, which was launched under Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024), which considers the attacks a violation of freedom of navigation and of regional peace and security, recognising the right of all Member States to defend vessels against attack.</span>