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.
“The use of missiles and drones undermine the security and stability of the region.”
Alongside @GermanyDiplo & @FranceDiplo, the UK has strongly condemned this weekend’s attempted aerial attacks on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Read our statement https://t.co/hZRUSUqnNl
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) January 25, 2021
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.
The E3 strongly condemn the January 23 attempted aerial attacks on Riyadh. Such actions undermine the security and stability of the region. pic.twitter.com/RWF7i3Bt9F
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) January 25, 2021
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.”
#ArabieSaoudite | Les E3 (, et ) condamnent fermement les tentatives d’attaques aériennes sur #Riyad intervenues le 23 janvier.
Déclaration https://t.co/fhbwewsY1q pic.twitter.com/rYNDpIZRGe
— France Diplomatie (@francediplo) January 25, 2021
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.
The U.S. strongly condemns the latest attack in Saudi Arabia. Such attacks violate international law and undermine regional peace. As we work to reduce tensions, including by bringing an end to the war in Yemen, we will also help Saudi Arabia defend itself.https://t.co/BYCVv7oTQ7
— Ned Price (@statedeptspox) January 24, 2021
“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.”
Yesterday’s attempted aerial attacks on Riyadh, which threatened loss of life, are deeply concerning. We strongly condemn these attacks, and we stand by our Saudi partners
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) January 24, 2021
