BRUSSELS, July 23 (QNA) - The European Union (EU) Thursday urged the Houthi movement to cease all actions targeting international shipping and risking the lives of seafarers.

In a statement, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said: "The Houthis must cease all actions that endanger international shipping and the lives of seafarers." She further emphasized that the recent threats issued by the group to impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia "pose a direct threat to regional stability and constitute a dangerous escalation."

The EU statement follows a recent declaration by the Houthis imposing a "maritime blockade" linked to Saudi Arabia, prohibiting shipping companies from loading or unloading cargo while threatening to target non-compliant vessels. (QNA)