A Greek-owned bulk carrier named the Zografia was struck by a Houthi missile as it steamed north to the Suez Canal, according to the Greek Shipping and Island Policy Ministry.
This most recent strike comes less than a week after the United States seized Iranian-made missile parts, as well as other weaponary, that was bound for the Houthis.
Last week, two Navy S.E.A.L.S. were lost in the seizure of the weaponary when they were struck by a large wave while attempting to board the ship. The United States, the United Kingdom and others have given initial backing to the naval mission to protect maritime assets on the Red Sea, and deter Houthi attacks on these ships.
The EU's Political and Security Committee, which is charged with foreign policy and defense posture, gave initial support to the mission. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the airstrikes against the Houthi militants would not curtail their attacks against ships in the Red Sea.
European Union member states have given initial backing to a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement in the Red Sea, European Union diplomats said.
What's Next?
As previously reported by HNGN, the United States and the United Kingdom naval vessels are already on a simliar mission. The EU's objective is to establish their own naval mission in the region of the Red Sea by Feb. 19, though some would like for the process to be excelerated.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) declined to comment on confidential discussions.
"We will stand fully prepared to defend ourselves and defend that shipping, if it comes to it," John Kirby, the strategic communications coordinator for the National Security Council, said on Friday.
Early on Monday, the Houthis reportedly attempted to launch an anti-ship ballistic missile but it proved to be a dud.
A United Kingdom security group called Ambrey said there were a total of three missiles launched toward the Red Sea on Monday. Two of the three missiles failed to reach their target and the third impacted a US-owned vessel.
The recent Houthi missile strike on the Greek-owned Zografia adds to escalating tensions in the Red Sea. Following the US seizure of Iranian-made missile parts destined for the Houthis, naval missions by the US, UK, and now the EU aim to protect ships. While diplomatic support is gained, challenges persist, with the Houthis attempting further missile launches. As the situation unfolds, concerns for maritime security intensify, and global efforts strive to deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The EU's proposed naval mission awaits establishment, reinforcing the urgency of international collaboration to safeguard shipping routes in this volatile region.
