Houthis Inform EU They Will Not Target European Ships in the Red Sea
Two diplomats reported that the Houthi group informed the European Union in a message sent on September 10th that it would not target European ships in the Red Sea, coinciding with its escalation and moves to control strategic areas near the Bab al-Mandab strait.
The Financial Times quoted the diplomats as saying the message came on the same day the group seized the port of Mocha in western Yemen, as part of its escalating offensive along the Yemeni coast.
The newspaper added that the Houthis assured the European side that their offensive in southern Yemen is not aimed at disrupting international shipping and will not affect freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab strait.
According to the same source, the message reflects an attempt by the Houthis to portray the conflict as directed against Saudi Arabia, rather than a broader campaign targeting international shipping.
During this September, the group had seized the port of Mocha, Perim Island, and other areas in the Red Sea, strengthening its position near the Bab al-Mandab strait, one of the most important maritime passages for global trade.
In response, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned of the increasing risks to navigation in the Red Sea and called on member states to bolster the Aspides naval mission with more ships and aircraft, noting that recent developments are now affecting European interests and supply chains.
This comes as container ship traffic through Bab al-Mandab has begun to rise again, while oil tanker companies remain more cautious due to the military escalation in the region, according to the newspaper.
Source: Financial Times
