The European Union has issued a strong warning regarding the escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that these actions undermine global energy security and exacerbate regional instability.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the Houthi militia, reportedly backed by Iran, has again targeted infrastructure within Saudi Arabia, including refineries and airports. She characterized these attacks as a continuous effort to destabilize the region, incite further violence, and jeopardize worldwide energy security.
Von der Leyen affirmed the European Union's solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners. She indicated that the security of the region will be a primary focus during upcoming discussions between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council later this month.
These European pronouncements follow Houthi claims of conducting attacks against sites in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Najran and Jizan, utilizing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation reported on Tuesday that three individuals sustained injuries and material damage occurred as a result of an attack on the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan and the Najran International Airport on Monday evening.
The second EU-GCC Summit is scheduled to convene in Riyadh on October 24th. The summit aims to foster expanded investment and trade cooperation, alongside discussions on a free trade agreement, amidst growing European and Gulf concerns over regional security and the protection of vital infrastructure.
