The African Union (AU) has condemned the attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement against commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea.

The Yemen-based Houthi movement has launched missile and drone attacks targeting two Saudi Arabian oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, in the Red Sea.

This escalation marks the first direct strikes since the group announced a naval blockade against Saudi-linked shipping earlier in the week.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 23, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reaffirmed the AU’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and pledged the Union’s continued support for the country’s security, sovereignty and stability.

“These actions represent a dangerous escalation with serious implications for regional peace and security,” read part of the statement.

The AU cautioned that attacks on commercial vessels and attempts to disrupt maritime traffic pose a serious threat to international shipping and could have far-reaching economic consequences.

According to the Commission, the security of the Red Sea is strategically important to Africa because many countries on the continent rely on the route for trade, energy supplies and uninterrupted access to global markets.

It said any disruption could weaken regional maritime connectivity, affect global supply chains and undermine the economic interests of several African states.

“The security of maritime routes in the Red Sea is of vital strategic importance to Africa. Any disruption of commercial shipping risks undermining 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,” said the AU.

The AU Commission Chairperson called on the Houthis to immediately end attacks on commercial shipping, avoid actions that could further heighten tensions and fully respect international law governing maritime navigation.