RIYADH (Rajeev Sharma): Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned a fresh series of attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi militia, accusing the group of targeting civilians, economic infrastructure and Saudi territory.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riyadh said the repeated attacks represented a serious threat to the Kingdom’s security and stability. The statement also condemned attacks targeting Saudi cities including Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Taif and Yanbu.
Saudi Arabia also denounced what it described as attacks against Saudi vessels operating in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an important maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The Kingdom said it has pursued political efforts to resolve the Yemen conflict since the Houthi takeover in 2014, maintaining that its objective has been to support a comprehensive political settlement.
According to Riyadh, however, the Houthis have continued their military escalation despite those efforts, contributing to worsening humanitarian and economic conditions in Yemen.
The Saudi government said the continued attacks serve external interests while placing additional pressure on the Yemeni population and regional stability.
Riyadh reaffirms right to defend itself
Saudi Arabia reiterated that it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its territory, sovereignty, resources and citizens in accordance with international law.
The Kingdom also reaffirmed its political and military backing for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Presidential Leadership Council.
Riyadh said its support is aimed at helping Yemenis restore state institutions and bring an end to Houthi control over parts of the country.
The Saudi statement further called on the international community, particularly members of the United Nations Security Council, to fulfil their responsibilities and implement relevant Security Council resolutions concerning Yemen.
It urged greater international support for Yemen’s legitimate government as it confronts the Houthi militia and seeks to prevent further threats to Yemen, the wider region and international security.
The latest Saudi statement comes amid continued tensions surrounding the Red Sea and the broader Yemen conflict, with attacks involving shipping and regional targets adding to concerns over maritime security and stability across the region.
