EU Red Sea mission raises alert over Houthi threat

The European Union said its Red Sea naval mission has raised the alert level of its vessels because of the Houthi threat to shipping in the waterway.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Operation Aspides would continue escort duties after what she called a worsening security situation. She wrote online after speaking with her Saudi counterpart that Europe was helping protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks.

The Houthis in Yemen last week seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key route for Saudi oil exports, according to the supplied information.

Renewed fighting between the Houthis and Yemen's Riyadh-backed government has drawn in Saudi Arabia after the Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi ships in the Red Sea.

The EU created Operation Aspides in 2024 during an earlier period of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.