EU Envoy Demands Houthi Attacks in Red Sea Cease

Kathmandu. European Union Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas on Thursday demanded an end to attacks on ships in the 'Red Sea' region by Houthi rebels. This statement came after Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels attacked a Saudi ship.

"The attack on an oil tanker in the Red Sea is unacceptable, illegal, and further escalates regional instability," EU Foreign Policy Chief Kallas said in a statement protesting the attack.

"Houthis must immediately stop all activities that endanger international shipping and the lives of seafarers," he added. This attack on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea has brought a new wave to the ongoing war in the Middle East and has caused a surge in oil prices.

Earlier this week, Houthis claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers after announcing a blockade on Saudi ports.

Kallas stated that the EU's naval mission deployed to ensure the safe passage of ships in the important Red Sea waterway is "firmly committed to protecting freedom of navigation for all."