Dutch Government Demands EU Terror Designation for Houthis
In a significant escalation of international pressure, the Netherlands is urging the European Union to designate Yemen's Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization following their missile attack on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship MV Minervagracht. The September 30, 2025 attack in the Gulf of Aden injured two crew members and forced the evacuation of all 19 sailors aboard the vessel.
Demissionary Foreign Minister Van Weel stated on social media platform X that 'the Houthis represent a serious threat to freedom of navigation' and called for immediate EU action. The Dutch government is pushing for both terrorist designation and additional sanctions against the Iran-backed militia group that controls much of Yemen.
Ship Rescue Operations Underway
The vessel's owner, Dutch shipping company Spliethoff, expressed confidence that the heavily damaged MV Minervagracht can be salvaged. 'The fire on board is out and the ship is not taking on water,' a company spokesperson told reporters. 'It's in a condition to be towed away.' The company is working closely with international authorities and salvage companies to coordinate recovery operations.
The two injured crew members are receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Djibouti, while the remaining 17 sailors were safely evacuated by the EU naval mission Aspides shortly after Monday's attack. The multinational crew included nationals from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Russia, and Ukraine - no Dutch citizens were aboard.
Houthi Justification and Regional Impact
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they targeted the Minervagracht because its owner had allegedly visited Israeli ports. 'We attacked the vessel because its owner violated the entry ban to the ports of occupied Palestine,' a Houthi spokesperson declared. Since the beginning of the Gaza conflict, the militia has attacked approximately 100 ships they claim have connections to Israel, sinking four vessels entirely.
Spliethoff declined to confirm whether the Minervagracht had visited Israeli ports but emphasized that 'the cargo ship was sailing in areas where international law permits navigation.' The company confirmed the vessel was not carrying any cargo at the time of the attack.
This incident marks the most serious attack in the Gulf of Aden region, distinct from previous Red Sea assaults where Houthis sank two vessels in July. The ongoing attacks have forced a significant portion of international shipping to avoid the strategic waterway, disrupting over $1 trillion in annual goods traffic through the Red Sea region.
International Response and EU Process
The Netherlands' call for EU terrorist designation follows similar actions by the United States, Israel, Canada, and Australia, all of which have already listed the Houthis as a terrorist organization. An EU designation would trigger economic sanctions including asset freezes against the group.
The EU Terrorist List was renewed in July 2025, maintaining sanctions against designated terrorist organizations. The Dutch initiative represents the first major push to add the Houthis to this list since the renewal.
Maritime security expert Dr. Sarah Johnson commented: 'This attack demonstrates the Houthis' expanding capability to threaten shipping beyond the Red Sea into the Gulf of Aden. The international community must respond decisively to protect global trade routes.'
The incident has heightened concerns about regional security and the impact on global supply chains, with shipping companies increasingly rerouting vessels around Africa at significant additional cost and time.