EU condemns Houthi attack on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia

Firefighters attempt to put out a blaze at an Aramco terminal in Jizan, Saudi Arabia, early Sunday, March 20, 2022. (SPA)
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Updated 22 March 2022
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EU condemns Houthi attack on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia

  • EU: The attacks are “completely unacceptable and must stop”

RIYADH: The EU said that it “strongly condemns” recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthi militia.
The EU said the attacks are “completely unacceptable and must stop,” in a statement on Monday.
On Saturday night and Sunday, the Iran-backed militia fired a barrage of missiles and drones strikes targeting a Saudi petroleum products distribution terminal in the southern Jizan region, a water desalination plant in Al-Shaqeeq, a power station in Dhahran Al-Janub, a gas station in Khamis Mushayt and an LNG facility in the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

The EU urged all parties in Yemen to work with “UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg to achieve a comprehensive political agreement,” the statement said, indicating that it remains the only option to end the seven-year war.
The militia’s actions have been widely condemned for their danger to civilians, regional security and the stability of global energy markets.

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Saudi Arabia said on Monday that it could not be held responsible for any oil supply shortage to the international market that results from attacks on its facilities.
“The Kingdom stresses the importance of the international community to realize the gravity of Iran’s continued behavior of equipping the terrorist Houthi militias with ballistic missiles technology, and advanced UAVs with which they target the Kingdom’s oil, gas and refined products production sites,” a statement said.
Benchmark Brent crude oil stood at over $117 a barrel in trading early Tuesday.
The Houthi attacks came just as a meeting in Oman was convened by Grundberg with Houthi chief negotiator Mohammad Abdulsalam and Omani officials as part of the envoy’s efforts to address the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, including a possible truce during the upcoming Holy month of Ramadan.


Kingdom goes green to celebrate Founding Day

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Kingdom goes green to celebrate Founding Day

  • Parks, streets, public spaces shine with national pride, while cultural programs, family activities bring communities together

RIYADH: Residents of Riyadh took part in an initiative to install First Saudi State flags to mark Founding Day on Feb. 22, organized by the Riyadh municipality.

The initiative, reflecting national pride and drawing community participation, enhanced the festive presence across neighborhoods, parks, streets, and public spaces.

The municipality also organized events across the city and governorates, illuminating main roads and public squares with more than 5,000 decorative lights, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Jeddah municipality launched a multi-day program to mark Founding Day, decorating main roads, squares, and the corniche.

A key event took place at Prince Majid Park on Sunday, featuring falconry, equestrian shows, and traditional handicrafts. Family activities included henna painting and creative workshops for children.

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran marked Founding Day with a multi-night Ramadan program from Feb. 20–22, offering 30 heritage-focused activities in a festive, family-friendly setting.

Visitors enjoyed cultural events, films, exhibitions, and hands-on workshops. Riyadh resident Tiger Lee, visiting Dhahran for the first time, said he came to experience the celebrations and learn more about the Kingdom’s history.

Entry was free, with food outlets, a traditional souq, henna and Sadu weaving sessions, museum and library storytelling, and plaza exhibitions adding to the experience.

Meanwhile, traditional markets in the Baha region turned into lively cultural hubs, showcasing local heritage and national pride, the SPA stated.

Shops were decorated with flags and traditional handicrafts such as palm frond products and pottery, while visitors and locals wore traditional attire. The markets supported local artisans, boosted economic activity, and enhanced the region’s touristic appeal.

Government buildings and private facilities were also illuminated in green, marking 299 years of Saudi history since 1727.

The King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah was illuminated in green to mark the national occasion, reflecting pride, unity, and the Kingdom’s stability and progress.

The Tabuk municipality organized 23 cultural and heritage events across the region’s cities and governorates, in partnership with government and private entities, to highlight the day’s historical significance and strengthen national identity. Parks and public facilities were prepared to host residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, the Jazan municipality decorated the region with more than 1,500 banners and themed displays, transforming streets, parks, and public squares.

In coordination with government departments, the celebrations featured national performances, folk arts, and heritage showcases unique to Jazan.