The hague: 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.

According to Anadolu Agency, the attack underscores the importance of maintaining a maritime presence in the region together with partners. The Netherlands is making a concrete contribution to the EU's Aspides mission, and the country expressed gratitude to European partners for their swift and decisive action in the Search and Rescue operation and the safe evacuation of the crew of the Minervagracht.

The statement came after the Dutch-flagged cargo ship was attacked near Yemen on Monday, resulting in two injuries and the evacuation of 19 crew members. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday.

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