UN, EU Leaders Condemn Houthi Attack On Riyadh Airport

The United Nations and European Union have condemned the reported attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, allegedly carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, warning that the incident could further escalate tensions in the region.

The attack, which occurred on Saturday, October 10, reportedly left 12 people dead and more than 300 others injured, according to Saudi aviation authorities.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed shock over the incident, describing it as a serious violation of international law because of its impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

In a statement, Guterres said, “Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are a violation of international law. These attacks must cease immediately.”

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, also condemned the incident, describing it as a “dangerous escalation” and calling on the Iran-backed Houthi group to stop attacks on civilian targets.

She warned that attacks by groups supported by Iran could plunge the region into further violence and threaten critical global transportation and energy infrastructure.

“These attacks by Iran’s proxies are pushing the region into a spiral of violence,” von der Leyen said, adding that their consequences could reverberate across the world.

She further condemned the attacks on civilians and expressed the European Union’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also denounced the incident, describing it as a terrorist act against Saudi Arabia and civil aviation.

Wadephul expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, saying his thoughts were with those affected by the attack.

Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Defence Minister, Wes Streeting, described the attacks as “contemptible” and warned that they represented a dangerous escalation of the conflict.

The international condemnations came amid growing concerns over the safety of civilian facilities and the potential consequences of further attacks on critical infrastructure in the Middle East.

The reported airport attack is expected to intensify diplomatic concerns over regional security, particularly the protection of civilians and vital transportation facilities.

AFP