EU raises readiness level of ships in Red Sea, official says

The EU’s ASPIDES naval operation has raised the readiness level of its ships in the Red Sea, says Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Sharing a post on X, she warned that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia sabotage the global economy and are unacceptable.

Kallas earlier held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan during which the sides focused on diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Yemen and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

“I spoke with Faisal bin Farhan about diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Yemen and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime passage must be unimpeded and toll-free. Europe is helping protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. Given the worsening security situation, EU Operation ASPIDES has raised the alert level of its vessels as it continues its escort duties,” she wrote.

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and sabotage the global economy.

I spoke with @FaisalbinFarhan about diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Yemen and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime passage must be unimpeded and toll-free.…

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) September 18, 2026

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov