RIYADH — Several Arab countries and international and Islamic organizations condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including an attempt to target Riyadh with a ballistic missile and attempts to target civilians and civilian objects in Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu. For countries, Kuwait, Egypt, Bahrain, Lebanon and Jordan issued separate statements condemning the attacks and expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Kuwait strongly condemned the attempted ballistic missile attack on Riyadh and attempts to target civilians and civilian objects in Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu, describing the attacks as a flagrant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law and international humanitarian law. Kuwait also praised the vigilance and efficiency of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces and reaffirmed its full solidarity with the Kingdom and support for all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty and security and protect its citizens and residents. It stressed that Saudi Arabia’s security is an integral part of Kuwait’s security and that of the Gulf Cooperation Council states. Egypt similarly condemned the attacks on Riyadh, describing them as a flagrant violation of the Kingdom’s and wider regions security and stability, and international law. It said the attacks represent a dangerous escalation that could increase tensions and destabilize the region. Egypt affirmed its categorical rejection of any attempt to undermine Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty and expressed full solidarity with the Kingdom and with any measures it takes to preserve its stability and safety, stressing that the security of Saudi Arabia and Egypt is indivisible. Bahrain also strongly condemned the escalation of Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and the repeated and deliberate attempts to target civilians and civilian objects in Riyadh, Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu, describing them as a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law, the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. Bahrain praised the efficiency and high readiness of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in confronting and thwarting the attacks, including the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh. It reaffirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability and protect its citizens and residents. Additionally, Bahrain called on the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities and take a firm stance to halt repeated Houthi attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects in Saudi Arabia, hold those responsible accountable and implement relevant resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216. Lebanon strongly condemned the missile attack that targeted Riyadh at dawn, describing the targeting of Saudi Arabia’s security as a serious violation of international law and a threat to regional security and stability. It also expressed full solidarity with the Kingdom and affirmed its support in confronting any attack targeting its security and territorial integrity, while reiterating its categorical rejection of attacks on cities and civilian facilities or actions that endanger civilian lives. Jordan similarly condemned the Houthi targeting of Riyadh with a ballistic missile, which the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces successfully intercepted and destroyed, as well as attempts to target civilians and civilian objects in Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu. Jordan described the attacks as a blatant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, a threat to its security, stability and territorial integrity, and a flagrant breach of international law and the UN Charter. It reaffirmed its full solidarity with the Kingdom and support for all steps it takes to protect its security, stability, national assets and the safety of its citizens and residents. As for Muslim organizations, the Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned the continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the attempted ballistic missile attack targeting civilians and civilian objects in Riyadh, as well as attempts targeting Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu, all of which it said were thwarted by Saudi air defenses. MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa condemned what he described as “treacherous terrorist attacks” that violate religious values and international and humanitarian laws and norms, saying they demonstrate the militia’s deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects. On behalf of the MWL’s global bodies, councils and assemblies and the Muslim peoples represented under its umbrella, Al-Issa reaffirmed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to deter aggressors, safeguard its security and protect the safety of its citizens and residents. Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi and UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the targeting of civilian objects and the threat posed by the attacks to security and stability in the region. Their remarks came during a meeting on the sidelines of Albudaiwi’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two officials also discussed GCC-UN cooperation and ways to strengthen it in support of shared interests, exchanged views on the latest developments in the region, and discussed several regional issues and related efforts. Guterres praised the development, progress and prosperity achieved by GCC states, as well as their regional and international efforts to promote security and stability.
