EU condemns Houthis’ missile attacks against Saudi Arabia

The EU condemned Monday the Houthis’ recent launch of ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia targeting civilian and vessels transiting through Bab Al-Mandeb Strait.

“These actions feed regional tensions and threaten the safety and stability of Yemen’s neighbors, including in the Horn of Africa, freedom of navigation, particularly in the Red Sea region, and global sea trade,” EU Foreign Affairs Council said in a statement.

It expressed grave concern over proliferation of ballistic missiles and technology, noting that there cannot be any military solution to the conflict.

The Council discussed the situation in Yemen during their meeting in Luxembourg with UN Secretary General Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths, and strongly supported and his efforts to bring about an inclusive political solution to this conflict.

The statement noted the parties to the conflict have pursued a military confrontation, most recently in and around the city and port of Al-Hudaydah.

“This has led to an escalation of hostilities and a further worsening of an already catastrophic humanitarian situation,” said the statement.

It expressed sincere concern over the recent intensified military operations in and around Al-Hudaydah, including the impact of the military operations by the Coalition on the civilian population.

The Council also voiced its worry about the fragmentation of the internal political structure in Yemen, reiterating “its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.” The EU also expressed concern over the increased presence in Yemen of criminal and terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the so-called Islamic State (IS), condemning all terror attacks in the strongest terms.

It also reiterated its commitment to continue to deliver life-saving aid to all people in need in Yemen, and called upon all parties to engage with the humanitarian community in good faith to ensure the people in Yemen can access the assistance they urgently require.

Source: Kuwait News Agency