EU Red Sea naval mission 'raises alert level' over Houthi threat

The European Union said Friday that its naval mission escorting ships through the Red Sea has raised its alert level, as the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen threaten the key waterway.

Last week, the Houthis seized control of the entirety of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital artery for Saudi oil exports from Saudi Arabia.

"Europe is helping protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote online after talking with her Saudi counterpart.

"Given the worsening security situation, EU Operation Aspides has raised the alert level of its vessels as it continues its escort duties."

The territorial gains by the Houthis have increased fears that global oil supplies will be further diminished, as the wider Middle East war is already choking off the Strait of Hormuz.

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

The EU set up its Aspides mission in 2024 during a previous period when the Houthis targeting shipping in the Red Sea.