The European Union is actively working with its partners to tackle the security threats posed by the Houthi militias in the Red Sea, aiming to find effective solutions to address these challenges.
Luis Miguel Bueno, the EU’s regional media officer for the Middle East and North Africa, stated that EU countries are closely watching the situation in the Red Sea, especially the recent US and British strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organization early on Tuesday received a report of an incident in the Red Sea about 57 nautical miles northwest of Eritrea’s Assab.
Vessel and crew were reported safe and are proceeding to their next port after security personnel on the ship “fired warning shots and small craft departed,” UKMTO said in an advisory note according to Reuters.
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis have stepped up attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea in protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. Various shipping lines have suspended operations, instead taking the longer journey around Africa.
In exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Bueno stressed that the EU is closely monitoring developments in the Red Sea (Operation Prosperity Guardian), stating that the Houthi attacks are a violation of international law.
Bueno underscored the urgent need to respect UN Security Council Resolution 2722.
He strongly condemned Houthi assaults on commercial ships and crews, stating they pose unacceptable threats to regional maritime security and peace, requiring an international solution.
The diplomat disclosed the EU’s active engagement with partners to counter Houthi threats and find effective solutions.
Ongoing discussions within the EU focus on a coordinated European mission in the Red Sea.
The EU spokesperson declined to provide more details about the planned mission in the Red Sea, saying the information will be shared at the appropriate time.
