AU: Houthi Attacks in Red Sea “Constitute a grave threat” to Regional security

ADDIS ABABA – The African Union (AU) on Thursday “strongly condemned” attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi against commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea. following the Group’s announcement of a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. “These actions represent a dangerous escalation with serious implications for regional peace and security,” said AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in a statement. Youssouf expressed “full solidarityof the African Union with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the union’s unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, and stability” of the country. He said, “attacks against commercial vessels and any attempt to obstruct the free movement of maritime traffic constitute a grave threat to international maritime security and to the stability of one of the world’s most strategic waterways.” The Chairperson underscored that the security of maritime routes in the Red Sea is of vital strategic importance to Africa. “Any disruption of commercial shipping risks undermining regional maritime connectivity, global supply chains, energy security, and the economic interests of numerous African states whose trade depends on safe, secure, and uninterrupted access to these sea lanes,” he said. Youssouf called on the Houthi group to “immediately cease all attacks against commercial shipping, refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions, and fully respect international law governing maritime navigation.” On Thursday, Yemen’s Houthi group said that it carried out a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, claiming that the vessels were targeted for breaching an embargo imposed by its armed forces on vessels calling at Saudi ports, according to Xinhua news agency.