France’s Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, declared on Sunday during her visit to Israel that recent attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea “cannot go unanswered.” The statement suggests that France is considering various responses, including a “defensive role” to prevent future attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The French Foreign Ministry’s stance leaves room for speculation on potential retaliatory measures, encompassing diplomatic, economic, or even military actions. The lack of specific details about the attacks makes it challenging to predict the precise nature of the response.
Maritime attacks in the Red Sea, particularly by Houthi rebels in Yemen, have increased in recent years. Global shipping companies, including MSC, have temporarily halted voyages through the Suez Canal in response to these attacks. This decision has resulted in extended travel times as companies opt to circumnavigate Africa via the Cape of Good Hope route.
Given the strategic significance of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal as the shortest maritime route between Asia and Europe, the implications of these attacks and potential reactions are considerable. The French Foreign Ministry’s statement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the necessity for decisive action.
