The European Union’s naval mission ‘Aspides’ has advised commercial vessels linked to the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia to avoid the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The warning, reported on July 22, 2026, follows a sharp rise in the risk of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in these waters. The advisory urged ships connected to those three nations to steer clear of the region until the threat level decreases.

According to the EU mission, vessels associated with the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia face the highest risk of being targeted by the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The warning came shortly after the Houthis announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, claiming it was a response to Riyadh’s blockade of Yemen and airstrikes on its international airport.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the Houthi move and stated that it will take all necessary measures under international law to protect its commercial ships and national interests.