Escalating Tensions Amid Houthi Attacks and US Strikes Deemed Dangerous: Saudi FM

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, voiced deep concerns over the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, emphasizing worries that the situation, marked by attacks from Yemen’s Houthi militia and U.S. strikes on Houthi targets, could potentially spiral out of control, further intensifying the conflict in the region.

In an interview with CNN’s ‘Fareed Zakaria GPS,’ set to be aired on Sunday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan acknowledged the challenging and perilous period in the region, stating, “I mean, of course, we are very worried. I mean, you know, we are in a very difficult and dangerous time in the region, and that’s why we are calling for de-escalation.”

The recent series of attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia on ships in and around the Red Sea has not only disrupted trade between Asia and Europe but has also raised concerns among major powers, further escalating tensions in the Gaza conflict.

Addressing the situation, Prince Faisal underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to freedom of navigation while emphasizing the need to safeguard the security and stability of the region. “We, of course, believe very much in the freedom of navigation. And that’s something that needs to be protected. But we also need to protect the security and stability of the region. So we are very focused on de-escalating the situation as much as possible,” he stated.

The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, claim their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians facing Israeli assaults in Gaza. The United States has responded by launching strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and designating the militia as a “terrorist” group.

Despite acknowledging the ongoing air strikes, President Joe Biden stated that they may not completely halt Houthi attacks. The situation presents a risk of expanding the conflict beyond Gaza, where over 24,000 people, representing more than 1 percent of the population, have been reported killed in Israel’s offensive against Hamas-governed Gaza. The conflict originated following attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7.