Saudi Arabia is putting pressure on the European Union to designate the Houthis in Yemen (Ansar Allah) as a terrorist organization, against the background of almost daily attacks on the kingdom, according to Reuters citing six European officials. Several EU governments oppose the proposal, fearing that a terrorism definition could cut off remaining diplomatic channels with the Houthis and jeopardize future peace negotiations. The definition would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, with only a small number currently supporting the move.

Saudi Arabia is putting pressure on the European Union to designate the Houthis in Yemen (Ansar Allah) as a terrorist organization, against the background of almost daily attacks on the kingdom, according to Reuters citing six European officials. Several EU governments oppose the proposal, fearing that a terrorism definition could cut off remaining diplomatic channels with the Houthis and jeopardize future peace negotiations. The definition would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, with only a small number currently supporting the move.