Saudi Arabia reaffirms its inherent right to defend its territory and people from Houthi aggression

Riyadh — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its fundamental right to safeguard its borders, assets, sovereignty, and the well-being of its people from the threat posed by the Houthis. In a formal declaration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the country's unwavering political and military backing for the Yemeni government and its people, urging the latter to oust the coup leaders and reclaim control of state institutions from the clutches of the terrorist Houthi militia.

The ministry vehemently condemned the ongoing attacks by the militant group on civilians and civilian infrastructure across the Kingdom, including sacred sites such as Mecca and Medina, as well as major cities like Riyadh, Abha, and Jazan. Moreover, the ministry denounced the militia's relentless assaults on Saudi naval vessels in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Since the Houthi coup in Yemen in 2014, Saudi Arabia has tirelessly pursued a comprehensive and enduring political resolution to the crisis. However, the terrorist Houthi militia has opted for further military aggression, causing immense humanitarian and economic turmoil that serves their own external objectives. Saudi Arabia urged the global community, especially the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, to honor their duties, adhere to pertinent Security Council resolutions, and provide comprehensive support to Yemen's legitimate government in combating the Houthi militia and mitigating the threat it poses to Yemen, the region, and the world at large.