AU condemns Red Sea tanker attacks, warns of threat to maritime security

AU condemns Red Sea tanker attacks, warns of threat to maritime security
AU condemns Red Sea tanker attacks, warns of threat to maritime security - AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf addressing the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Photo: African Union)
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf addressing the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Photo: African Union)

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Kenya’s Saudi oil supplies face Red Sea risk as Houthis begin attacks on tankers

Alfred Onyango  ·  6 hours ago
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African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the bloc’s support for the country’s security, sovereignty and stability.

The African Union has condemned attacks on commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility, warning that the escalation threatens maritime security, regional stability and the economic interests of African countries.
The development comes after the Iran-aligned Houthis said they had targeted two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, while they were transiting through the Red Sea, accusing the vessels of violating a naval blockade announced by the group.
In a statement on Thursday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the bloc’s support for the country’s security, sovereignty and stability.

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“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission strongly condemns the attacks claimed by the Houthis against commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea, following their announcement of a naval blockade targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the AU said.
Mahmoud warned that attacks on commercial vessels and attempts to interfere with maritime traffic pose a serious threat to international shipping and the stability of one of the world’s most important waterways.
“The security of maritime routes in the Red Sea is of vital strategic importance to Africa,” the Chairperson said, adding that disruptions could undermine “regional maritime connectivity, global supply chains, energy security and the economic interests of numerous African States whose trade depends on safe, secure and uninterrupted access to these sea lanes.”

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The AU stressed that freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping must be respected in accordance with international law.
The AU Chairperson called on the Houthis to immediately stop attacks against commercial shipping, avoid actions that could further escalate tensions and respect international laws governing maritime navigation.
The statement followed claims by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree that the group had attacked the two Saudi tankers using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.
“We targeted two Saudi oil tankers, named Encelia and Layla, for their violation of the blockade decision issued by the armed forces,” Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Wednesday.
Saudi authorities reported that the Encelia was hit but confirmed that all crew members were safe.

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