Saudi Arabia condemns ongoing Houthi attacks on civilians, asserts right to defend territory

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the ongoing attacks by the Houthi militia targeting civilians and vital civil and economic facilities within the Kingdom. The ministry also denounced repeated assaults on Mecca, Medina, the capital Riyadh, and several other cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Taif, and Yanbu.

The ministry noted that the attacks have also targeted Saudi vessels in the southern Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait, describing these actions as a continued escalation that threatens regional security.

The statement highlighted that since the Houthi militia's coup against Yemen's legitimate government in 2014, Saudi Arabia has made sustained efforts to support a comprehensive and lasting political solution in Yemen. However, the militia has chosen military escalation and pursued foreign agendas, worsening the humanitarian and economic suffering of the Yemeni people.

Political and military support, international call

The Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom's inherent right to defend its territory, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents, and to take all necessary measures to protect its security in accordance with international law.

In this context, Saudi Arabia reiterated its full political and military support for the Presidential Leadership Council, the Yemeni government, and the Yemeni people to end the coup and restore state institutions.

The ministry called on the international community, especially the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to implement relevant council resolutions and provide full support to Yemen's legitimate government to confront the Houthi militia and halt its threat to Yemen, the region, and the world.