Aden – The European Union has strongly condemned the recent missile strike by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on the Dutch-flagged cargo vessel Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, calling the attack a “blatant violation of international law and maritime security.”

In an official statement released Thursday, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, expressed solidarity with the Netherlands and denounced the targeting of civilian shipping lanes. “This reckless assault endangers global trade and undermines efforts to stabilize the region,” Borrell said.

The Minervagracht was hit earlier this week by a cruise missile launched by Houthi forces, resulting in injuries to crew members and significant damage to the vessel. The ship was later evacuated by the EU-led naval mission Aspides, which includes Dutch and French forces operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging the ship had links to Israel—a claim denied by Dutch authorities. The EU emphasized that such actions threaten freedom of navigation and could escalate tensions in an already fragile region.

European leaders are now considering additional measures, including sanctions and enhanced naval patrols, to deter further attacks and protect commercial vessels transiting through strategic waterways.