Kenya condemns missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia
Kenya has condemned escalating missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and urging all parties to exercise restraint. In a statement issued on Friday, September 18, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said attacks targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure and sacred places were contrary to international humanitarian […]
Kenya has strongly condemned the recent missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, urging an immediate halt to the violence and urging all parties to exercise restraint. The country's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs issued a statement on Friday, September 18, 2026, expressing deep concern over the escalating hostilities.
The ministry emphasized that the attacks, which targeted civilian infrastructure, civilian areas, and sacred places, violated international humanitarian law and jeopardized regional stability and security. Kenya reaffirmed its dedication to upholding international law and adhering to UN Security Council resolutions pertaining to Yemen and the Houthis, including the arms embargo.
The government also pledged its commitment to collaborating with the international community to safeguard maritime security, protect legitimate trade, and promote global peace and stability.
The ongoing conflict has had dire consequences for civilians. Saudi authorities reported that debris from an intercepted drone landed in Taif, resulting in the death of a Yemeni resident and injuries to a Saudi woman and a Pakistani resident. Kenya stressed that the conflict also posed risks to its citizens residing and working in Saudi Arabia and those traveling to the country for pilgrimage.
The ministry affirmed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as protected under the UN Charter, remained paramount. Kenya expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its people, the Two Holy Mosques, and pilgrims visiting the region, including Kenyan citizens. The government also remained vigilant about the safety of Kenyan nationals living and working in the Kingdom.
The renewed fighting between Saudi-backed forces and the Houthis has led to a deluge of displaced individuals within Yemen, with over 112,000 people forced to flee their homes due to the latest escalation, according to Reuters. Kenya called for all parties to demonstrate restraint and work towards de-escalation, emphasizing its support for a "Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations" as the only lasting solution to the crisis.
The government also reiterated its commitment to preserving Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
