Turkish FM urges Gulf of Aden de-escalation in talks with British counterpart
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan emphasizes the need to reduce the tension in the Gulf of Aden in a telephone conversation with his British counterpart Cameron
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the need to alleviate tensions in the Gulf of Aden during a telephone discussion with British Foreign Minister David Cameron on Friday, citing numerous conflicts in neighboring countries, according to diplomatic sources.
He pointed out that there are already many conflicts in the nearby geography and drew attention to the need to reduce tensions in the Gulf of Aden.
Stating that Turkiye is ready to fulfill its duty in this direction, Fidan also discussed the latest situation in Gaza with his counterpart.
He emphasized that the war in Gaza and the violence against Palestinians must end immediately and that the escalation of tension poses a serious risk to regional security and international stability.
WHAT HAPPENED
On Oct. 31, the Houthis in Yemen, backed by Iran, began seizing commercial ships purportedly linked to Israeli companies off the Yemeni coast. In retaliation to Israel’s actions in Gaza, they further launched drone and missile attacks on some of these vessels.
U.S. forces announced that they had shot down missiles and kamikaze drones fired from Yemen several times during this period.
Following the actions of the Houthis, many shipping companies decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea.
On Dec. 18, the U.S. announced the formation of a multinational “maritime task force” called “Operation Welfare Guardian” against Houthi forces with the participation of a group of countries. The initiative was launched in response to the perceived threat posed by Houthi actions to the security of global maritime trade.
U.S. helicopters fired on three speedboats belonging to the Houthis, who tried to seize the ship linked to Israel on Dec. 31 in the Red Sea.
On Jan. 10, the Houthis announced that a U.S. ship was targeted with missiles and kamikaze drones in the Red Sea because it supported Israel.
The United Nations Security Council adopted a draft resolution submitted by the U.S. and Japan on Jan. 11, demanding an immediate end to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Approximately 12% of global trade is carried out through the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia.
Source: Newsroom
