Netherlands condemns Houthi attack on Dutch cargo ship

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Netherlands on Wednesday condemned the recent Houthi attack on a Dutch cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden.

"The Netherlands strongly condemns the recent attack on the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht, which has now been claimed by the Houthis," caretaker Foreign Minister David van Weel wrote on US social media company X.

He noted he will ensure that the Houthis are placed on the "EU terrorism list" and that the EU adopts additional sanctions.

"This attack underscores the importance of maintaining a maritime presence in the region together with our partners. In this way, the Netherlands is making a concrete contribution to the EU’s Aspides mission. We are grateful to our European partners for their swift and decisive action in the Search and Rescue operation and the safe evacuation of the crew of the Minervagracht," he further added.

The statement came after the Dutch-flagged cargo ship was attacked near Yemen on Monday, after which 2 were injured and 19 evacuated.

Houthis then claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday.

The French Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, and noted that the Aspides operation, in which France was also involved, provided assistance to the crew and cared for the injured.