The Houthi group has issued a warning to the European Union (EU) not to join the coalition of the US and Britain in the Red Sea, threatening to target its ships if it does. The warning comes after the EU launched a naval mission in the Red Sea to protect shipping from Houthi attacks.
In a statement cited by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi warned the EU, stating, “Your presence increases the militarisation of the sea, which would affect your countries’ needs of shipping chains through the Red Sea.” He also added, “If your coalition in the Red Sea commits any foolishness, you will bear the consequences and your navy ships and commercial vessels will be targeted.”
The EU’s decision to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea came in response to continued Houthi attacks on international shipping. The Houthi attacks are said to be casting a shadow over global stability and prosperity.
The Houthis have been targeting Israel-linked vessels transiting the Red Sea since mid-November, in a move they say is a display of their support for Palestinians in Gaza. This has led some shipping companies to alter their routes and circumnavigate the African continent to avoid Houthi missile attacks.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the US and Britain have announced the formation of a naval coalition in the Red Sea and have conducted airstrikes on what they identified as Houthi targets. The Houthis, in turn, have retaliated with more intense attacks.
The recent military operations carried out by the Houthis included missile strikes on a British-registered cargo ship, the downing of a US MQ9 unmanned aircraft, and two additional attacks on US cargo ships in the Gulf of Aden. Following these attacks, the US-British navy coalition launched fresh airstrikes in the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah, resulting in the Houthis vowing to launch more attacks in response.
The situation in the Red Sea remains tense, with the threat of further Houthi attacks on international shipping and escalating military actions by the US and Britain. The EU’s decision to join the coalition has sparked warnings from the Houthi group, setting the stage for potential confrontations in the region.
