EU raises threat assessment for transiting North Red Sea to medium

The EU military operation in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, has revised its threat assessment for the North Red Sea from ‘Low’ to ‘Medium’ as Houthi forces continue to threaten commercial shipping associated with Israeli, U.S. and, more recently, Saudi Arabian interests.

Considering Houthis’ pattern of behaviour, the threat level for transiting the North Red Sea, the South Red Sea and Bad al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden is assessed as ‘Medium.’

In an advisory issued Wednesday, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES recommended that merchant vessels linked to Israeli, U.S. or Saudi interests avoid transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden until the threat level decreases. 

While the EU military operation said it is still too early to fully assess the scope and duration of the renewed threat, it warned that previous patterns indicate that attacks could involve anti-ship missiles, UAVs, USVs and small crafts.

Ships required to transit the eastern Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea should exercise heightened vigilance and maintain close coordination with the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO), it said.

In response to the current threat environment, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has reinforced protective measures to support vessels. However, the operation cautioned that ships requesting close protection may experience more waiting times as available military assets remain unchanged.

All vessel masters are also reminded that the MSCIO remains available as a point of contact for any incident, suspicious activity, or unusual observation. 

The advisory follows the Houthis’ announcement of a ‘maritime embargo’ against Saudi Arabia on July 20.

The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) is an initiative of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA, established to enhance maritime security across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf.

As an organic component of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, the MSCIO also supports broader EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations, serving both EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in their maritime security missions.