An EU spokesperson informed the Arab World News Agency that the European Union is weeks away from launching a special naval mission to protect ships in the Red Sea, where the Houthi militia has been attacking commercial and military vessels.
Peter Stano, the spokesperson, explained to the Arab World News Agency that the naval mission would “assist passing ships in the Red Sea to avoid any attacks,” aiming to ensure the freedom of navigation, without specifying the nature of the mission described as “purely defensive.”
Euronews reported that only five EU member states have publicly committed to participating in this mission, with France, Greece, Italy, Germany, and Belgium named, and the first three taking on leadership roles.
Stano described the Houthi attacks on commercial ships as “against the freedom of navigation and in violation of international law” in a discussion at the EU headquarters in Brussels. He emphasized the EU’s clear condemnation and its efforts alongside international partners to find a solution. Meanwhile, the EU is preparing intensely for its special maritime mission to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea from any form of illegal and illegitimate attacks.
The spokesperson also mentioned that a coalition led by the United States and Britain has targeted Houthi positions in Yemen to curb their capacity to attack ships. The EU, through its upcoming naval mission, aims to assist ships in avoiding attacks and contribute to the protection and freedom of navigation, which is a top priority.
Stano expressed concern over the increasing number of Houthi attacks and counterattacks in the region, highlighting the potential for rapid escalation and loss of control. The EU is collaborating with international partners, especially Iran, which has ties to or supports many of the groups involved in these attacks, to use its influence to halt these actions.
