France, Qatar condemn Houthi strikes on Saudi vessels, warn of threat to maritime security
Paris, July 23
France and Qatar on Thursday strongly condemned the Houthi strikes on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, warning that the strikes threaten maritime security, regional stability and global energy supplies.
As reported by France 24, France called on the Iran-backed Houthis to halt their offensive operations, calling the strikes "irresponsible and a serious escalation."
"Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers are irresponsible and a serious escalation," a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said at a press conference, urging the group to stop targeting commercial shipping.
The condemnation came after Yemen's Houthi rebel group on Wednesday (local time) claimed responsibility for an attack on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, days after Saudi forces carried out strikes on Sanaa airport, escalating tensions between Riyadh and the Iran-backed group.
Qatar also denounced the strike, calling it "a serious violation of international maritime safety, a direct threat to global energy security, and a clear and blatant breach of international law."
In a statement, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that "the continuation of these rejected attacks represents a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region and undermines efforts to consolidate regional security and stability."
The ministry called on the international community to implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 on freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, stressing that "freedom of navigation in international waterways is a fundamental principle of international law."
Qatar reaffirmed its "full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" and support for "all measures taken by the Kingdom to preserve its sovereignty, security, and interests," adding that Saudi Arabia's security "is an integral part of the security of the State of Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states."
The ministry also expressed appreciation for Oman's mediation efforts aimed at reviving the political process in Yemen and achieving regional security and stability.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that Washington will hold Iran directly accountable if the Houthi movement executes further attacks on maritime vessels.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump highlighted that the United States had previously carried out a powerful military strike against the Houthis a year ago after the group disrupted global commerce and trade by targeting shipping lanes.
"A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade, by shooting at ships. Since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly," Trump said.
He warned that any continuation of such maritime assaults would result in "major military punishment" directed at both Tehran and the Yemen-based movement.
"Major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis themselves," Trump stated.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Brigadier General Yahya Saree Qasim Saree, the official spokesperson for the Houthis, claimed in a statement on Telegram that the group's forces targeted two Saudi oil tankers identified as "ENCELIA" and "LAYLA".
"Within the context of breaking the unjust and oppressive siege imposed by the Saudi enemy on our dear people for twelve years, and in affirmation of the equation of 'siege for a siege,' and in confirmation of the right of our great people to confront Saudi-American injustice and tyranny and to reclaim their wealth and legitimate rights," Saree said.
He claimed that the rebel group carried out a "qualitative military operation" targeting the two vessels, which he alleged had violated a blockade imposed by the group in the Red Sea.
"The operation was carried out by a number of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones. The strikes were precise, thanks to Allah's grace and assistance, and resulted in a large fire that broke out on both vessels," the statement read.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Another escalation in the Middle East. 😞 These strikes terrorize innocent civilians and threaten global shipping. I wish the international community would focus more on resolving the root cause—Yemen's humanitarian crisis—rather than just condemning attacks. Peace talks need more urgency, not Trump's threats of "major military punishment" which only fuels more violence.
🇮🇳 India's energy security is directly linked to stability in the Red Sea. We import huge amounts of oil from the Gulf. If Houthis keep targeting tankers, it'll spike global oil prices and hurt our economy. Saudi Arabia must act decisively. Iran needs to stop playing with fire by backing these proxies—enough is enough.
Trump's warning to Iran sounds tough, but his track record in the Middle East is mixed. The US military strike a year ago didn't stop Houthi attacks long-term. Real diplomacy with Iran and a comprehensive Yemen peace deal is the only way forward. Oman's mediation efforts deserve more praise.
Qatar's statement is interesting—they condemned the attack but didn't mention Iran directly. Diplomatic tightrope walking! Meanwhile, Houthis claim they're fighting a "siege" while using Iranian missiles to hit oil tankers. 🤦♂️ The people of Yemen are suffering the most, with no end to this cycle of violence. UN resolutions are just paper unless enforced.
As an Indian, I'm worried about our seafarers who work on these vessels. Many Indian sailors crew oil tankers in the region. These attacks put their lives at risk. The international
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