Analysts to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Coordination, Support to Yemen Govt to Reshape Balance of Power

Saudi Arabia underscored on Tuesday its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security for its citizens and residents following the terrorist Houthi militia attack that targeted civilian and economic areas in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran that left 73 people wounded, including women and children.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attacks, as well as the Houthis’ continued attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and their threats to international marine navigation.

It reiterated its categorical rejection of the “hostile” and “criminal behavior” that the Houthis are adopting in threatening the security and stability of Yemen and its Arab and Islamic surroundings, as well as their continued rejection of peace efforts.

The Kingdom vowed that “it will not be lenient against any assault that targets its territories and capabilities,” stressing that “the measures it takes to defend its sovereignty and security are in line with international law.”

It demanded “an immediate halt to all forms of escalation and threats to marine navigation,” calling on the international community “to assume its responsibilities and implement relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.”

Condemnations pour in

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi strongly condemned the “terrorist attacks” carried out by the Houthi group against the Kingdom, saying they are a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms” that deliberately disregard the security and safety of civilians and regional stability.

“These recurring attacks once again expose the malicious intent of the Houthi group and demonstrate its explicit rejection of all efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in Yemen,” he said in a statement.

“Targeting civilian installations and national capabilities is a condemned terrorist act that cannot be justified or tolerated under any pretext. The Houthi group’s persistence in these hostile practices represents a blatant challenge to the international community and a direct threat to regional and international peace and security,” Albudaiwi stressed.

He further underscored “the urgent need for the international community to adopt a firm and deterrent stance against these violations, hold perpetrators and their backers accountable, and halt this ongoing terrorist conduct that jeopardizes regional security and the interests of its peoples.”

“GCC member states stand united alongside Saudi Arabia,” he added, expressing full solidarity with the Kingdom in confronting all threats to its security, stability, sovereignty, and national capabilities.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed complete GCC support for all measures and actions taken by the Kingdom to protect its territory, citizens, and residents, wishing the injured a swift and full recovery.

Gulf and Arab condemnations followed the Houthi attacks, underscoring full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, rejecting the targeting of civilians and civilian objects and infrastructure, and reaffirming support for the Kingdom in all measures it takes to protect its security, sovereignty, and capabilities. 

Kuwait strongly condemned the Houthi attacks, saying they are a “flagrant violation” of the Kingdom’s sovereignty, a direct threat to the security and safety of its citizens and residents, and a breach of international law and international humanitarian law. 

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that these attacks are a “dangerous and unjustified escalation” that would undermine regional security and stability.  

It also condemned the Houthis’ continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, citing the threat it poses to the security and safety of maritime navigation, global energy supplies, and international trade. 

Kuwait stressed its absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, maintain its security, stability, and interests, and protect its citizens and residents. It said that the Kingdom’s security is “an indivisible part of the security of Kuwait and the security of the GCC states.” 

Bahrain condemned the attacks, calling on the international community, particularly the Security Council, to take a firm stance to deter the aggressions, hold the perpetrators accountable, and implement the relevant international resolutions. 

It noted that, in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, it will continue to work alongside GCC states and international partners toward a “firm UN response” and to translate the council members’ condemnation of the attacks into practical measures. 

Manama reiterated its support for efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and sustainable Yemeni-led political solution to the crisis, its standing alongside the legitimate government, and its support for the efforts of the UN envoy, in a manner that preserves the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Yemen. 

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Houthi attacks as a “disgraceful aggressive behavior and an unacceptable disregard for civilian lives and the security of regional states,” a violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, and a breach of the rules of international law. 

It warned of a “dangerous escalation” that threatens the security and stability of the region, urging the need for an immediate halt to these acts. 

Doha called on the international community to take a firm stance against the violations and to ensure the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions regarding the security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. 

Similar condemnations poured in from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and the UAE.

Cairo expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, saying it stands by its side against any threats to its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. 

 The Kingdom’s security is “an indivisible part of Egyptian and Arab national security,” it added. 

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed Amman’s “absolute” solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for all steps it takes to protect its security, stability, capabilities, and the safety of its citizens and residents. 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon was “following with deep concern this dangerous escalation targeting the security and stability of Saudi Arabia.” 

“We strongly condemn this aggressive act, which constitutes a blatant violation of a sisterly state’s sovereignty and a direct threat to the safety of its citizens and residents,” he added. 

In a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE condemned in the strongest terms the Houthi attacks, as well as the continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the threat to the safety of maritime navigation. 

The ministry emphasized that these attacks are a flagrant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability, reaffirming the UAE’s full solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its security and stability.