The naval operation of the European Union deployed in the Red Sea, ASPIDES, has decided to increase the alert level of the ships that comprise it in light of the worsening security context in the area and the continuation of attacks by Houthi rebels, while maintaining its escort functions to safeguard maritime traffic.
The announcement was made this Friday by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, who highlighted in a message on social media the importance of this European mission to ensure the safety of navigation in the area.
"Europe is helping to protect maritime traffic in the Red Sea against Houthi attacks. Given the worsening security situation, the EU's ASPIDES Operation has raised the alert level of its ships while continuing its escort duties," she stated.
The head of community diplomacy has made this alert reinforcement public after having a conversation with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan, in which they discussed diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Yemen and restore full freedom of navigation in the region.
In this context, Kallas has reiterated her condemnation of the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, which she has described as "unacceptable," and has emphasized that such actions "sabotage the global economy."
Furthermore, she has again stressed the importance of preserving freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. "The maritime passage must be free and unobstructed," the Estonian politician has emphasized.