Saudi Arabia warns of response after Houthi attacks injure 73 civilians

Saudi Arabia has condemned attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on civilian and economic sites in the kingdom’s southern regions that injured 73 civilians, including women and children.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attacks targeted Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran.

The ministry also condemned continued Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and attempts to restrict freedom of international maritime navigation.

Saudi Arabia rejected what it described as the militia’s hostile approach and criminal conduct, saying its actions threatened the security and stability of Yemen and its Arab and Islamic surroundings.

The kingdom said the attacks also showed that the Houthis continued to reject efforts to achieve peace.

Saudi Arabia said it had the legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and national capabilities and protect its citizens and residents.

It said it would not tolerate attacks against its territory or capabilities and would act in accordance with international law.

In a separate statement, Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen spokesman Maj Gen Turki Al-Maliki described the continued attacks against Saudi Arabia as a “dangerous escalation”.

He said the attacks were a clear violation of Saudi sovereignty and posed a direct threat to the security and safety of citizens and residents.

Maj Gen Al-Maliki accused the Houthis of deliberately intensifying attacks on the kingdom’s national capabilities, facilities and civilian sites.

He said the coalition’s Joint Forces Command would take all necessary operational measures to deter the militia, confront its hostile conduct, respond to the sources of the threat and neutralise the danger they posed.

Saudi Arabia warned of the consequences of continued attacks on civilians and civilian facilities and called for an immediate end to all forms of escalation and threats to maritime security.

The kingdom also called on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities and enforce relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 of 2015 and Resolution 2722 of 2024.