EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated on Thursday, August 29, 2024, that the Houthis, an internationally designated terrorist group, are attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea "indiscriminately."

Borrell made these remarks during a press conference on the EU's naval mission "Aspides," Monitored by "Barran Press." He added that since February, the Houthis have expanded the scope of their attacks and are now demanding that ships obtain permission from their so-called "First Maritime Authority" before entering Yemeni waters to avoid being targeted.

Responding to a question about the EU's satisfaction with the results achieved by "Aspides" so far and whether further developments, decisions, and actions related to the operation are planned, Borrell stated that the mission "was launched in record time. It was a swift response. Since the deployment of the mission, it has been operating very satisfactorily."

He emphasized that the mission's objective is "to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the Arabian Gulf, and the northern Arabian Sea. It has nothing to do with Iran, the Houthis, or the war in Gaza. It operates very satisfactorily, and we are there to protect ships, sailors' lives, and our strategic interests."

Borrell acknowledged the risks associated with the mission, stating, "We need to increase our capabilities. We now have four ships and occasional cooperation with others. We are trying to work towards increasing the logistical support that the mission needs on the ground. But certainly, so far, the performance has been very good."

Regarding the contribution of commercial shipping companies to this operation, he said, "We need to balance the costs of action and the costs of inaction. The Council has allocated 8 million euros for the shared costs borne by member states for the first year of the operation. This does not include the costs borne by the states, such as salaries."

Addressing the duration of the operation, Borrell said, "I can't tell you how long the mission will last. I hope it will be as short as possible."

Borrell denied any contact with the Houthis, stating in response to a journalist's question, "We have no direct contact with the Houthis, but as you know, we have an embassy in Yemen, and we are monitoring everything that is happening in the region."

At the same time, he stated, "We want to keep communication channels open with Iran," urging Iran to "exercise restraint and use its influence to avoid escalation, especially with regard to relations with the Houthis."

The EU official believes that Iran "does not have complete control over decision-making among the Houthis," whom he described as having "become completely independent."