Yemen's Houthis launch ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia sparking condemnation

Spokesman of the Arab coalition Col. Turki Al-Maliki speaks during a press conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh. (File/AFP)

• Coalition says destroyed ballistic missiles depot in Saada
• US condemns continuous Houthi attacks targeting civilian areas in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Iran-backed Houthi militia fired two ballistic missiles toward the Saudi city of Khamis Mushait on Monday.
The Arab coalition said the missiles were launched from Saada city in northwestern Yemen and landed in two uninhabited areas near the Kingdom’s southern border, Al-Ekhbariya TV reported.
The coalition accused the Houthis of violating international humanitarian law and trying to target civilians.
Later on Monday, the Arab coalition said it had destroyed a fortified cache of ballistic missiles and launchers in Saada, Al-Ekhbariya TV reported.
The coalition said it is taking measures to neutralize sources of threat to protect civilians, adding that their military operations comply with international and humanitarian law.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks on the Kingdom.
The coalition said earlier it had intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthis toward Khamis Mushait in the early hours of Monday, sparking condemnation from regional and international allies.
The US called on the Houthi militia to stop these targeted attacks, commit to a cease-fire, and come to the negotiating table, saying Washington remains deeply concerned with the frequency of these attacks.
Targeting the Kingdom with ballistic missiles and drones is “unacceptable, dangerous, and put the lives of civilians at risk,” said Jalina Porter, deputy spokeswoman at the US State Department, during a telephonic press briefing.
She urged the Houthis to commit to peace and diplomacy in the region, saying that the Houthi attacks on the Kingdom are “not actions of a group who say they want peace.”
Porter said Washington builds on and strengthens the UN framework through diplomatic engagement to achieve broader regional support, and called on the Houthis to take advantage of this moment.
The UAE said the continuation of these attacks reflected the Houthi’s blatant defiance of the international community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation urged the international community to take “an immediate and decisive stance to stop these repeated actions targeting vital and civilian installations, the Kingdom’s security and stability and global energy supplies.”
Kuwait and Bahrain called on the international community and the UN to condemn Houthi attacks on populated cities in the Kingdom.
Both countries said they stand in full solidarity with Riyadh in all deterrent measures it takes to protect its security.
Jordan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attacks.