EU-Gulf summit in Riyadh postponed after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia; Aden presidential palace also hit
First seen · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul) · Last updated · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul)
The Gulf Cooperation Council postponed the EU-GCC summit set for Oct. 24 in Riyadh, citing repeated Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The Houthis also attacked the presidential palace in Aden, Yemen, killing five people.
What happened
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) postponed the EU-GCC summit that was to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 24, citing continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and a prolonged suspension of flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said the decision was made to protect visiting delegations.
Why it's trending
The Houthis have attacked Saudi oil facilities and King Khalid International Airport more than 20 times, killing 17 people and injuring over 300, according to Saudi authorities. The Houthis also struck the presidential palace in Aden, seat of Yemen’s government, killing five people including two of the prime minister’s bodyguards, while the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a missile attack aimed at Medina.
Reactions
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the Houthi attacks as “indiscriminate” and “completely unacceptable.” The EU urged member states to send more ships to its Red Sea naval operation to step up escorts of merchant vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
What to watch
The EU confirmed the postponement and said a new date would be set later. When flights resume at Riyadh airport is a key factor in rescheduling the summit.