European, Arab states condemn foiled attacks on Saudi Arabia

LONDON: Britain, France and Germany strongly condemned on Monday the attempted aerial attacks on the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Jan. 23.
The UK and Germany also said that the use of missiles and drones in the attack undermines the security and stability of the region.
“Proliferation and the use of missiles and drones undermines the security and stability of the region, to which we are strongly committed. We reiterate our firm attachment to the security and integrity of Saudi territory,” the EU three said in a joint statement.

Saudi air defenses thwarted an attack on Riyadh on Saturday by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen. The Arab coalition said it had “intercepted and destroyed a hostile air target going toward” the capital.
The United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned and denounced the attack, and renewed its full solidarity with the Kingdom.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said: “The continuation of these attacks illustrates the nature of the danger facing the region from the Houthi militia, and their endeavor to undermine security and stability in the region.”
Bahrain condemned the attempt to target civilian areas in Riyadh, saying it stands with Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to preserve its security.

Egypt also strongly condemned “such despicable terrorist attacks.”
A statement issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Cairo’s continued support for the Kingdom in all measures it takes to defend its lands, safeguard its security and stability, and the safety of its citizens, as well as “in its tireless efforts to confront all forms of terrorism and its supporters.”
Jordan also condemned and denounced the attack and the continued targeting of civilian areas and installations.
The country’s foreign ministry said that it “absolutely rejected this cowardly terrorist attack and rejects all forms of violence and terrorism that target everyone without discrimination, and aim to destabilize security and stability.”

Ministry spokesperson Dhaifallah Al-Fayez said that the security of the two countries is “one and indivisible,” and that any threat to Saudi Arabia’s security is a threat to the security and stability of the entire region. He also praised the capabilities of the Saudi air defense and their success in countering the repeated attacks.
The US issued similar statements on Sunday and said that Washington was gathering more information, but that the attack appeared to have been an attempt to target civilians.

“As we work to de-escalate tensions in the region through principled diplomacy, including by bringing an end to the war in Yemen, we will also help our partner Saudi Arabia defend against attacks on its territory and hold those who attempt to undermine stability to account,” spokesperson Ned Price said.
Also on Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that Britain condemned the attack, which “undermined regional peace.” He added: “We stand by our Saudi partners.”