ROME — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s international airport, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and calling for an immediate end to strikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Driving the news: Meloni described the attacks as “unacceptable,” offering condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
- “Italy will continue working with regional partners to reduce tensions and promote stability and freedom of navigation in the area,” Meloni said in a statement.
Why it matters: Rome is linking the security of Saudi Arabia to broader regional stability, particularly the protection of maritime routes through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for international trade.
What else: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also condemned the attacks, stressing the need to prevent further escalation and revive diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Yemen.
- Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s support for UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and his efforts to restart the political process.
- He emphasized the importance of protecting Yemeni civilians while ensuring maritime security in the Red Sea.
Travel warning: Italy’s Foreign Ministry advised Italian nationals to avoid nonessential travel to the Riyadh airport area and refrain from using the airport for arrivals and departures.
- The ministry urged citizens to consult its Viaggiare Sicuri travel advisory website and contact the Italian Embassy in Riyadh or the ministry’s Crisis Unit if assistance is needed.
The bottom line: Italy is calling for an immediate halt to attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure while pushing for de-escalation, maritime security and renewed UN-led diplomacy in Yemen.
