Houthi attack targeting Saudi Arabia... EU postpones summit with Gulf countries

The summit meeting between the European Union (EU) and Gulf countries was disrupted due to continued attacks by Yemen's pro-Iran rebels, the Houthis, targeting Saudi Arabia, the leader of the Middle East.

The EU announced on the 15th (local time) that it would postpone the 2nd EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit scheduled to be held in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, on the 24th.

The EU said that a new hosting date would be announced at an appropriate time, without disclosing the specific reason.

The EU added, "Cooperation between the EU and the GCC has very important strategic significance for both sides," adding, "The EU will further deepen this cooperative relationship and continue the momentum created at the first summit held in October 2024."

The GCC consists of six countries along the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

According to Reuters, the GCC also announced the postponement of its summit with the EU on this day, citing the continued threat from Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia and the prolonged suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport as reasons.

Previously, in Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport was attacked by Houthis on the 10th, killing 13 multinational civilians and injuring over 300. The airport, which was scheduled to be used by key figures attending the EU and GCC summits next week, has remained closed since the attack. Since then, the Houthi rebels have continued to fire ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting Riyadh and elsewhere.

The EU wanted to express its will to show solidarity with Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia through next week's summit amid heightened instability in the Middle East due to the addition of Houthi rebels, but it had no choice but to postpone the meeting due to the worsening security situation in the region.

Saudi Arabia is trying to improve its image by hosting international events such as sporting events and conferences, but it is taking a hit as major events are canceled one after another due to Houthi attacks.