Riyadh, July 23 (QNA) - Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi condemned in the strongest terms the Houthi group's targeting of the Saudi vessel "ENCELIA", underscoring that this attack represents a flagrant violation of international law and the rules governing the freedom of maritime navigation.

In a statement on Thursday, Albudaiwi said that the attack on the vessel, belonging to a Saudi company, represents an extension of the hostile behavior pursued by the Houthi group and constitutes a threat to international navigation lanes.

He added that the Houthi group's continued threats to target commercial vessels and jeopardize international navigation lanes constitute a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region and undermines international efforts aimed at protecting maritime waterways and ensuring the smooth flow of global trade, necessitating a firm international stance to deter these irresponsible practices.

Albudaiwi stressed the GCC's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures it takes to maintain its security and the safety of its installations and vital interests, underscoring that the security of the Kingdom is an integral part of the security of the GCC states. (QNA)