Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its determination to take all necessary measures to defend its security and sovereignty against any attacks. Riyadh also welcomed the UN Security Council (UNSC) condemnation of recent attacks by Houthi militia against the Kingdom.
The Iranian-backed Houthi militia has escalated threats in recent weeks, targeting civilian areas in southern Saudi Arabia and launching attacks against Yemeni government troops and civilians in Marib and Hadramout, prompting the Yemeni military to strike the militia on multiple fronts.
UNSC Condemnation
Driving the News: The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed a statement issued by the UNSC on Friday, August 7, condemning Houthi missile attacks against Saudi Arabia since July 13, as well as against commercial shipping since July 22.
The Big Picture: The UNSC denounced the unauthorized aircraft landings at Sanaa International Airport and Hodeida Airport, urging compliance with international law and relevant resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 prohibiting arms transfers and military assistance to sanctioned entities, including the Houthis. The statement also warned that Houthi actions threaten regional security, freedom of navigation, and peace efforts.
Go Deeper: The Saudi Foreign Ministry’s statement called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to implement the relevant UNSC resolutions and to take a firm stance against actions and violations that threaten regional security, stability, maritime safety, and international trade, and undermine efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.
Riyadh’s Red Line
State of Play: Saudi Arabia stressed its determination to safeguard its security and sovereignty, as well as its right to defend itself, its citizens, resources, and facilities against any attacks. The Kingdom also reaffirmed its determination to take all necessary measures in accordance with international law.
Backstory: Terrorist attacks by Houthi militia injured 11 civilians, including a Saudi woman and a 4-year-old child, in the Najran Region, the Spokesperson for the Saudi-led Arab Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, said on Thursday.
In a statement, Al-Maliki accused the Houthis of carrying out indiscriminate shelling against civilian objects, in violation of international humanitarian law, affirming that the Coalition’s Joint Forces Command will continue taking all deterrent measures to protect civilians.
Houthi Terrorist Attacks
The Context: Recent weeks have seen a sharp escalation by the Iranian-backed militia. After the Yemeni Armed Forces prevented an unauthorized Iranian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport in mid-July, the Houthis declared an end to their “de-escalation phase” with Saudi Arabia, launching ballistic missiles towards the Kingdom’s southern regions, all of which were successfully intercepted by Saudi air defenses.
Between the Lines: The militia also announced a “maritime embargo” on the Kingdom near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, targeting Saudi commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea. In response, the Saudi-led Coalition conducted strikes on legitimate military targets used to attack shipping.
What to Watch: Saudi Arabia has established the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition to protect shipping in critical waterways including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. The coalition comprises 14 founding states, with additional countries finalizing their national procedures to follow suit and formally join as members.
Yemen Army Responds
On the Ground: The Iranian-backed militia also launched a large-scale attack, targeting military sites, displacement camps, and residential neighborhoods in Marib and Hadramout with ballistic missiles and drones on Thursday and Friday, killing Yemeni government troops and civilians.
What He Said: “Yemen today faces a greater risk of renewed large-scale conflict than at any point since the UN-brokered truce of April 2022.” – Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen.
Zoom In: The Yemeni military responded on Saturday, striking the militia’s sites and capabilities on multiple front lines. Yemen’s Armed Forces Spokesperson Colonel Majed al-Nazili warned that any future attacks will be met with a firm response.
Saudi Support for Peace
Why It Matters: Saudi Arabia underscored its steadfast support for the legitimate Yemeni government and for Grundberg’s efforts to achieve security, stability, and peace in Yemen, in a way that reflects on the wider region and safeguards maritime safety.
Flashback: Saudi Arabia has long supported the UN’s efforts to achieve peace in Yemen, including the roadmap accepted by the Yemeni government, while the Houthi militia refrained from announcing its acceptance and instead engaged in the regional conflict in support of its agenda and objectives.
By the Numbers:
Riyadh’s support for Yemen’s legitimate government and people has been evident in concrete projects and initiatives to promote stability, economic recovery, and development. This support is channeled through the Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SDRPY) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief).
SDRPY:
- 268: Projects and initiatives across 14 governorates.
- $1.14 billion: The total cost of the projects.
KSrelief:
- 1,218: Humanitarian projects.
- Over $4.8 billion: The total cost of projects.
