Greece Says Houthi Attacks Have Decreased Due to European and American Naval Actions

Christos Stylianides, Greece's shipping minister, stated in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday that increased cooperation among naval forces from various countries in the Red Sea over the past week has led to a reduction in Houthi attacks from Yemen on international shipping. Greece is the base for the European fleet deployed on a special naval mission named 'Aspides,' a Greek word meaning 'shield.' Stylianides, speaking on the sidelines of the shipping week event in Athens, expressed satisfaction at the significant decrease in the number and intensity of these attacks over the past week, stating, 'This is a reality.' He added, 'This is further evidence that the international community can stop these attacks with the determination it has shown.' The European Union's naval mission named 'Shield' was launched this year to counter attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants on international shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis have conducted numerous drone and missile attacks on foreign ships passing through the Red Sea, claiming to support Palestinians in the Gaza war and alleging that these ships are somehow connected to Israel. Stylianides, who has previously served as a European Commissioner, noted that international shipping has not seen such attacks since World War II, and these attacks have had 'tangible geopolitical, commercial, legal, and environmental consequences.' He stated that the recent decrease in these attacks demonstrates that the naval operations of the EU and the United States complement each other in ensuring freedom of transport and trade in the region. The Houthis have sunk one ship named Ruby Mar and seized another. Their attacks have also resulted in the deaths of three sailors. Stylianides pointed out that Greece, which is prominent in the transport sector due to the fees and taxes it collects from passing ships, has been affected by these attacks, prompting Athens to take a leadership role in the EU's naval mission. The Houthis have attacked at least two Greek ships in recent weeks.