EU member states decline calls to expand Red Sea naval presence
BRUSSELS, Sept. 28 (YPA) – European Union member states have declined requests to reinforce their naval presence in the Red Sea, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas confirmed on Monday.
Speaking during a meeting of EU defense ministers, Kallas described the control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait by Sanaa forces as a “threat to EU member states and the global economy.” The remarks were viewed by some observers as an unprovoked stance, given that no maritime security incidents involving commercial vessels have been recorded in the Red Sea since Sanaa forces announced control over the strategic strait on September 11.
Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of Transport in Sanaa released updated navigation statistics, reporting that approximately 1,000 vessels traversed Bab al-Mandab between September 1 and September 26. Sanaa authorities reaffirmed that maritime transit through the strait remains safe for all shipping, with the exception of Saudi-flagged or Saudi-owned vessels, as part of measures aimed at lifting the 12-year blockade imposed on Yemen by Riyadh.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Washington currently has no intention of launching direct military operations in Yemen. The position comes despite persistent appeals from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for US-led military action against Sanaa forces, following their establishment of control over Yemen’s entire western coastline and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. President Trump reaffirmed the US commitment to providing support to Saudi Arabia, excluding direct Washington-led military intervention.
The European Union previously established “Aspides” mission in February 2024, deploying warships to the Red Sea under the mandate of protecting maritime navigation. The deployment occurred during confrontations involving Sanaa forces and Israeli-linked shipping, conducted in support of the Palestinian people in the face of the genocidal crimes committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip.
YPA