Brussels, 27 October (H.S.): The European Union (EU) has strongly condemned Houthi attacks in Yemen, against Saudi Arabia and on vessels in the Red Sea. European Council President António Costa has urged the Houthis to immediately halt their attacks, de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table under the auspices of the United Nations.

Costa conveyed the EU’s position during a telephone conversation with Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council. He reiterated the bloc’s support for the Yemeni government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the war-torn country.

In a post on the social media platform X, Costa said the intensification of the conflict in Yemen was worsening the humanitarian crisis and affecting millions of people. He called on the Houthis to cease their attacks immediately, reduce tensions and resume negotiations under UN auspices.

According to Costa, lasting peace in Yemen could be achieved only through a political process that included all relevant parties.

Earlier this month, the United Nations also condemned a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities initially reported that the attack had killed 12 people and injured 309 others.

The fatalities included four Saudi nationals and eight foreign nationals. The foreign victims included two Bangladeshi nationals and one national each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

The attack added to growing security concerns in the region, amid escalating hostilities and threats to civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping routes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar