South Korea’s Foreign Ministry condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in southern Saudi Arabia and called for the actions to end immediately.
The ministry expressed its “deep solidarity” with Saudi Arabia. It also urged the Houthis to refrain from steps that could further escalate regional tensions.
Navigation security in the Red Sea
The ministry stated that attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure cannot be justified under any circumstances. It also said that actions threatening freedom and security of navigation are unacceptable.
South Korea said stability in the Middle East and safe navigation in the Red Sea are important to the international community. The ministry emphasized that these factors are critical to global supply chains and energy security.
The Iran-backed Houthis have recently intensified attacks targeting cities and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. These attacks have caused damage to civilians and economic facilities.
Fighting continues in Yemen
Fighting continues on several fronts in Yemen between the government forces backed by Riyadh and the Houthis. Following a relatively calm period observed since April 2022, concerns have grown that the fighting could once again develop into a full-scale war.
Yemen has been affected by war for approximately 12 years since the Houthis seized the country’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014. The Houthis have also targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia announced a mission to establish an international maritime alliance in July.
