Riyadh:Saudi Arabia has condemned recent Houthi attacks on civilian facilities and holy sites in the kingdom, accusing the group of choosing military escalation despite efforts by Riyadh to support a political resolution in Yemen.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the Houthis for targeting civilians and economic facilities, as well as for repeated attacks on the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The ministry also condemned assaults on the capital, Riyadh, and other cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Taif, and Yanbu, along with Saudi vessels in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The statement accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca and Medina with missiles and drones, although the Yemeni group has denied these allegations. It was noted that Houthi attacks on other locations, including energy facilities, have resulted in civilian injuries and material damage.
Saudi Arabia emphasized its "inherent right" to defend its territory, resources, and sovereignty, pledging to take all necessary actions to protect its citizens and residents. The kingdom reiterated its support for Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council and government to end the Houthi takeover and restore state institutions.
The Saudi ministry also called on the international community to support the Yemeni government in countering the Houthi threat, which they claim endangers Yemen, the region, and beyond.
The statement followed Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi's announcement of the 'Dawn of Yemen' operation aimed at reclaiming Sanaa and ending the Houthi control. The Yemeni army reported progress, claiming control of Bab el-Mandeb and Mokha, although the Houthis have not commented.
On July 20, the Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, attributing it to a purported Saudi blockade of Houthi areas in Yemen. Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting Yemen's recognized government against the Houthis, who have controlled Sanaa since 2014 and are alleged to receive Iranian support.