The European Union strongly condemns the missile and drone attacks by the Houthis against commercial ships on Sunday 3 December in the Red Sea. These repeated attacks endanger international navigation and the lives of members of different crews. 

The EU underlines the importance of preserving  navigational rights and freedoms of all vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, in accordance with international law. Threats to international navigation and maritime security are unacceptable.

In this regard, recalling the recent statements by the G7 Foreign Ministers and the UN Security Council, the EU calls on the Houthis to immediately stop threats; refrain from further attacks to international shipping lanes; and release immediately the “Galaxy Leader” vessel and its crew, illegally seized  on 19 November from international waters,  in the southern Red Sea.

The EU recalls the importance of enhancing international and regional cooperation to counter threats to peace and security in the region.