Iran-backed Houthi missile attacks are ‘threat to regional peace’

JEDDAH: An attack on Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi militias on Monday morning drew widespread international condemnation, as allies expressed solidarity with the Kingdom.

Arab coalition forces successfully intercepted and destroyed four missiles and seven explosive drones fired across the border from Yemen.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and vowed to support Saudi Arabia in all its defensive measures. Egypt also reaffirmed the importance of responding to all cease-fire initiatives as part of efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.

Describing the attacks as “blatant aggression,” the Republic of Djibouti reiterated its full support for the Kingdom in opposing all threats.

Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said such hostile Houthi actions against civilian targets, inside Yemen and in neighboring countries, are flagrant violations of international law. He also condemned Iran for supplying the Houthi militias with arms and ammunition, in defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

Al-Hajraf said these actions threaten regional stability and hinder efforts to achieve a political solution to the crisis in Yemen. Pledging the full support of the GCC for Saudi Arabia, he called on the wider international community to take action against forces determined to undermine the peace and security of the region.

Youssef Al-Othaimeen, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, denounced the terrorist attacks and the forces behind them.

Pakistan also condemned the attacks, and praised the coalition forces for preventing the attempt to target civilians in the Kingdom. Islamabad reiterated its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of threats to the security and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.