A European diplomat announced today, Friday, that a European naval operation to protect ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden will begin next Monday.

 The diplomat told an Arab channel that the operation aims to ensure freedom of navigation and protect commercial ships from Houthi attacks.

 He added that the countries participating in the operation informed the Houthis through intermediaries of their goals. He stressed that the operation will not interfere in the ongoing conflict in Yemen and will not intervene on land.

13 countries are participating in the European naval operation, including France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, and these countries will work to conduct naval patrols in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to monitor shipping traffic and prevent any attacks by the Houthis.

Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden constitute a serious threat to freedom of navigation and international trade. Houthi attacks on ships have escalated in the recent period, raising concern among the international community.