Seoul: South Korea has condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate halt to attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Seoul said attacks on civilians, civilian facilities and actions that undermine free and safe navigation cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The statement comes amid a sharp escalation in and around Yemen, with Houthi forces carrying out attacks against Saudi Arabia and threatening maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb.

The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July and have since targeted Saudi vessels and other facilities. The escalation has raised concerns over the security of one of the world’s key maritime routes linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal.

South Korea’s position also reflects its wider interest in protecting international shipping and energy supplies. The country has been closely monitoring disruptions to major maritime routes in the Middle East as tensions have affected the movement of oil and other goods.

The latest escalation has also drawn condemnation from other countries. Japan has called for the Houthis to refrain from further escalation and stressed that attacks on civilians and civilian facilities cannot be tolerated. Tokyo also highlighted the importance of keeping the Bab el Mandeb Strait open and safe for international navigation.

The growing insecurity around the Red Sea comes as maritime traffic is already under pressure from wider conflict in the region. Any prolonged disruption could increase shipping, insurance and energy costs while placing further pressure on international supply chains.

South Korea’s call adds to growing international concern that the conflict in Yemen is no longer confined to the country itself, with attacks increasingly affecting civilians, energy infrastructure and one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.