Addis Ababa, July 24: The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned the recent attacks on commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi groups. The organization warned that such actions could escalate tensions to dangerous levels, severely impacting regional peace and security.
In a statement, Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, reiterating the AU’s “strong support” for the nation’s security, sovereignty, and stability.
Yusuf emphasized that attacking commercial vessels and attempting to disrupt the free movement of maritime traffic poses a significant threat to international maritime security and the stability of one of the world’s most vital sea routes.
According to the Xinhua news agency, he stated that the freedom of navigation and the protection of commercial vessels must be fully respected under international law. He highlighted that securing maritime routes in the Red Sea is crucial for Africa, directly affecting several countries.
He remarked, “Any disruption to the movement of commercial vessels could harm regional maritime connectivity, global supply chains, energy security, and the economic interests of many African nations that rely on these safe and continuous sea routes.”
Yusuf urged the Houthi group to “immediately cease attacks on commercial vessels, avoid any actions that could escalate tensions, and fully comply with international regulations related to maritime traffic.”
Earlier on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if the Houthi group continues its attacks on vessels, it and Iran could face “significant military action.” He stated that if such attacks persist, the U.S. would hold Iran responsible.
On Thursday, the Houthi group claimed it targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, alleging that these vessels violated its recently declared maritime restrictions. The group asserted that it aimed at these ships for breaching its imposed bans on vessels heading to Saudi ports.
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