By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Group of Seven (G7) and the European Union have raised concerns over escalating tensions around Yemen and the Red Sea, warning that continued Houthi attacks could threaten regional security, global energy supplies and freedom of navigation.
The warning came as the United Kingdom announced additional military support for Saudi Arabia following a request from the Kingdom amid renewed attacks by the Houthis.
The UK said it would provide an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft to support Saudi defensive operations in support of the Yemeni government.
The deployment adds to Britain’s existing military contribution to Saudi Arabia, which includes air defence equipment and personnel assisting efforts to protect the Kingdom from missile and drone attacks.
The British government said rising tensions in the Gulf could disrupt energy supplies and increase costs for households and businesses in the UK.
London described the Houthis as a threat to regional stability and said preventing further attacks was in Britain’s economic and security interests.
The development followed Saudi retaliation against Houthi positions in Taiz, Al-Jawf and Marib provinces.
The Houthis subsequently claimed that six civilians, including two young girls, were killed in Al-Mukha and warned that further retaliation would follow.
Meanwhile, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, alongside the EU, expressed concern over developments in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
In a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers described the situation as an unacceptable threat to regional security, global energy security and freedom of navigation.
They called on the Houthis to immediately halt military actions, threats and attacks against civilian shipping and return to the political process.
The countries also urged Iran to stop arming and supporting the Houthis, citing United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to Yemen and regional security.
The latest developments have heightened international concern over the security of one of the key maritime routes connecting global trade and energy markets.
