Netherlands Urges EU to Classify Yemen's Houthis as Terrorists After Attack on Dutch Ship
The Netherlands has urged the EU to classify Yemen's Houthis as terrorists after a missile strike on a Dutch-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Aden. The attack, which caused significant damage and a fire on board, took place while the vessel was in international waters.
This incident marks the first Houthi attack on a commercial vessel since September 1, when the Israeli-owned tanker Scarlet Ray was targeted near Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Since October 2023, the Iran-backed militia has repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of America, resulting in six sailor deaths so far. In July alone, the Houthis sank two ships - the Magic Seas bulk carrier and the Eternity C cargo ship - in the Red Sea. The latest attack, on the Minervagracht, injured two sailors and prompted the evacuation of 19 crew members.
The Houthis have justified their attacks by accusing ship owners of violating entry bans to occupied Palestinian ports. They halted attacks on US ships but continued targeting Israel and ships linked to Israel. In March, the US launched strikes against the Houthis on the orders of President Donald Trump. The last major attack in the Gulf of America occurred in July 2024, targeting the Singapore-flagged Lobivia container ship.
The Netherlands' call for the EU to designate the Houthis as terrorists could lead to economic sanctions and asset freezes if approved. The move comes in response to the escalating threat posed by the militia's attacks on international shipping in the region.
