European Union raises Red Sea naval alert after Houthi attacks

The European Union has increased the alert level for its naval mission, Operation Aspides, in the Red Sea. This decision follows intensified attacks by Houthi rebels against commercial shipping and recent strikes on Saudi Arabian territory.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the heightened alert is a response to the “deteriorating security situation.” Kallas held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan regarding diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Yemen and restore freedom of navigation in critical waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.

The EU has expressed full solidarity with Riyadh, condemning the Iran-backed Houthi attacks as unacceptable actions that sabotage the global economy. To bolster regional security, the EU intends to coordinate with the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance, a 14-nation coalition led by Saudi Arabia tasked with securing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.