OMM Redaksiyası
Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned Houthi attacks on civilian facilities and holy sites, accusing the group of choosing military escalation despite Riyadh’s efforts to support a political solution in Yemen.
In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry denounced what it called the Houthis’ continued targeting of civilians and civilian and economic facilities, as well as “flagrant and repeated attacks” on Mecca and Medina.
The ministry also condemned attacks on Riyadh, Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Taif and Yanbu, along with attacks on Saudi vessels in the southern Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca and Medina with missiles and drones, allegations the Yemeni group has denied. Houthi attacks on other locations in the kingdom, including energy production facilities, have caused civilian injuries and material damage, according to the statement.
The ministry said Riyadh had made sustained efforts since the Houthis seized power in 2014 from Yemen’s internationally recognized government to support a comprehensive and lasting political settlement. It accused the group of rejecting peace and choosing “continued military escalation,” worsening humanitarian and economic suffering in Yemen “in service of and to implement foreign agendas.”
Saudi Arabia said it had an “inherent right” to defend its territory, resources and sovereignty, protect citizens and residents, and take all necessary measures to safeguard its security in accordance with international law.
The kingdom also renewed its “full political and military support” for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, government and people, saying it wanted to end the Houthi takeover and restore state institutions. The ministry urged the international community to support the Yemeni government in confronting the Houthis and halting the threat they pose to Yemen, the region and the world.
Yemeni army reports advances on western coast
The statement came after Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi announced on Monday the launch of an operation called Dawn of Yemen. He said it was aimed at restoring state institutions, retaking the capital, Sanaa, and ending Houthi control.
The Yemeni army later said it had taken control of Bab el-Mandeb and the strategic city of Mokha, and had advanced along the western coast. The Houthis had not immediately commented.
On July 20, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, saying it was in response to what they described as a Saudi naval and aerial blockade of areas under their control in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government against the Houthis since 2015. The group, which is accused of receiving support from Iran, has controlled Sanaa and several provinces since 2014.
