On the escalation of Houthi attacks and implications for regional security
B-10-2026-0486
on behalf of the PfE Group · Rapporteur: Mieke Andriese, António Tânger Corrêa, PierreRomain Thionnet, Jaroslav Bžoch, Matthieu Valet, Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone, Hermann Tertsch
Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.
A non-binding resolution condemns Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi civilian airports in October 2026 and on shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, and demands an immediate end to attacks on civilians and commercial navigation.¶¶ It insists freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait be safeguarded, and condemns Iran's military support for the Houthis, calling for full enforcement of arms embargoes and sanctions.¶¶ It commends EUNAVFOR ASPIDES within its defensive mandate, calls for maritime surveillance, intelligence-sharing and protection of shipping and energy infrastructure, and asks the Council to examine whether the Houthis meet the criteria for the EU terrorist list.¶ It warns of the effect on energy prices, shipping costs and European competitiveness, condemns Houthi abuses against civilians and humanitarian workers, and calls for oversight of EU-funded aid to Yemen and for a political settlement.¶¶¶
Key points
- Strongly condemns Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly the deadly attacks on civilian airports in October 2026, and on the United Arab Emirates, Israel and other countries in the region; demands an immediate end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.¶
- Condemns Houthi attacks on merchant shipping and seafarers in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, and demands their immediate cessation and the protection of lawful commercial navigation.¶
- Insists freedom of navigation through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait be safeguarded under international law, and condemns attempts by Iran, the Houthis or any other actor to obstruct lawful maritime traffic.¶
- Reaffirms the right of states to defend their territory, populations and vessels against armed attacks under international law, and supports practical cooperation between willing Member States, the United States and regional partners including Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.¶
- Commends EUNAVFOR ASPIDES within its existing defensive mandate and calls for effective maritime surveillance, intelligence-sharing, protection of critical shipping and energy infrastructure, and maintained national control over military deployments.¶
- Condemns Iran's military support for the Houthis, calls for full enforcement of applicable arms embargoes and targeted sanctions against those responsible for weapons transfers, financing and attacks, and asks the Council to examine whether the Houthis meet the legal criteria for the EU terrorist list.¶
- Warns of the impact of attacks on maritime routes and energy facilities on oil and gas prices, shipping costs and European competitiveness, and calls for secure and diversified energy supplies and respect for Member States' sovereign choices on their energy mix and taxation.¶
- Strongly condemns Houthi arbitrary detention, repression and abuses against civilians, religious minorities and humanitarian workers, demands the immediate release of all unlawfully detained UN and humanitarian personnel, and insists on safe, unhindered humanitarian access.¶
- Calls for strict oversight of EU-funded humanitarian assistance to Yemen, independent verification of implementing partners, safeguards against diversion to armed groups, and suspension of affected funding where diversion is substantiated and safeguards cannot be restored.¶
- Supports diplomatic efforts towards a durable political settlement in Yemen that respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity and addresses the legitimate security concerns of neighbouring and regional countries attacked by the Houthis.¶
Who is affected
- Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, Israel and the United Arab Emirates: the resolution condemns attacks on them and backs cooperation against Houthi and Iranian threats.¶¶
- Merchant shipping and seafarers in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden: the resolution demands protection of lawful commercial navigation.¶¶
- Iran: the resolution condemns its military support for the Houthis and calls for enforcement of arms embargoes and sanctions.¶
- Humanitarian workers and UN personnel detained by the Houthis: the resolution demands their immediate release and safe humanitarian access.¶
- EU-funded humanitarian partners in Yemen: the resolution calls for verification and possible suspension of funding where diversion is substantiated.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 10 October 2026: attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reportedly killed 13 people and injured 309.¶
- 11 October 2026: further attack killed one person and injured 11.
- September 2026: Houthi territorial advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast heightened threats to navigation near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.¶
- 7 October 2023: Hamas attacks against Israel, after which Houthi attacks on Israel and international shipping escalated.¶
- 2014: the Houthis seized Sana'a.¶
- 2019 and 2022: Houthi attacks on Abha International Airport and on oil facilities.¶