The European Union on Wednesday called on the Houthis to immediately halt their attacks inside and outside Yemen, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial ships in the Red Sea, warning that continued escalation threatens regional security and undermines efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen.
Condemnation of attacks on southern Saudi Arabia
The spokesperson described targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure as unacceptable, saying the attacks represent a dangerous escalation and violate international law, while also increasing the risks surrounding efforts to end the conflict in Yemen through a peaceful settlement.
Call to comply with Security Council resolutions
The European Union called on the Houthis to comply with UN Security Council resolutions, stressing that Yemen’s stability is linked to the security of the Gulf and Red Sea regions.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Yemeni people and working with the United Nations, regional partners and the international community to reduce escalation and achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace.
Grundberg warns of widening conflict
In a separate statement, UN envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg called on the Houthis to halt their attacks on Saudi Arabia, inside Yemen and against commercial ships, warning that they could widen the conflict and undermine efforts toward a political solution.
Grundberg said recent missile and drone attacks targeted civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, including energy facilities, and reportedly injured dozens of civilians. He added that Houthi attacks inside Yemen exposed civilians to grave risks, noting that the Security Council had recently condemned attacks on commercial ships.
The UN envoy stressed that international humanitarian law prohibits directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects, calling for these attacks to stop to prevent further regional escalation.
