GCC Secretary-General Condemns Houthi Targeting of Ship Belonging to a Saudi Company

Riyadh, July 23 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi expressed his strongest condemnation and rejection of the terrorist Houthi attack on the vessel “Encelia,” owned by a Saudi company. In a statement, Al-Budaiwi affirmed that this aggression constitutes an extension of the hostile behavior pursued by the militia and a blatant violation of international law and the rules governing freedom of maritime navigation. He stated that the Houthi militia’s continued threats to target commercial ships and disrupt international shipping routes represent a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region and undermines international efforts aimed at protecting sea lanes and ensuring the smooth flow of global trade, thereby necessitating a firm international stance to deter such irresponsible practices. The Secretary-General emphasized the GCC’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its security, the integrity of its facilities, and its vital interests, affirming that the security of the Kingdom is an integral part of the security of the GCC member states. (End) K.N.S. / M.A.A.