Riyadh:EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has condemned the recent Houthi attack on Riyadh's airport, describing it as an 'appalling act of terror,' and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kallas emphasized that there can be no justification for attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. She extended her deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the attack.
The EU foreign minister is set to discuss the escalating tensions in the region on Monday. Kallas highlighted the importance of enhanced coordination between the EU's Red Sea naval operation Aspides and the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition.
The attack resulted in the deaths of four Saudis, two Bangladeshi nationals, and one individual each from the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan, as reported by the Saudi civil aviation authority. Several injured persons are receiving treatment in hospitals, with some in critical condition.
Following the attack, the Saudi civil aviation authority temporarily suspended airport operations to assess damage and ensure the safety of facilities. This suspension led to flight disruptions, with passengers advised to check with airlines for updates. Kuwait Airways canceled its Saturday service to Riyadh and return flights due to the closure.
The incident occurred amid increasing tensions from recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports and other facilities.