King Salman Condemns Houthi Attacks Across Saudi Arabia
King Salman Condemns Houthi Attacks Across Saudi Arabia
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Key Points
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Saudi authorities said the drone intercepted south of Mecca was the second Houthi attempt to target the holy city, following a ballistic-missile launch in July 2017.
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The G7 urged the Houthis to halt attacks on civilian shipping and return to the political process in good faith, warning that the escalation threatens global trade and regional stability.
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The wider escalation has affected Yemen’s Red Sea coast: Houthi forces reportedly seized Mokha, while Saudi strikes on the strategic port killed at least six people and wounded eight, according to the Houthi-affiliated Saba news agency.
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Bahrain called for the U.N. Security Council to take a firm position, hold those responsible accountable and implement relevant resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216, in response to the attacks.
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Bahrain identified the reported targets as including Riyadh, Baish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu, and said the attacks violated international law, international humanitarian law, the U.N. Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman condemned the Iran-backed Houthis as a "terrorist militia" after air defenses intercepted a drone near Mecca, calling the alleged attempt a grave provocation Source1. The incident marks the second Houthi bid to target the holy city, following a ballistic missile launch in July 2017 Source2. Falling debris killed one person and injured two others in the latest attack Source3.
The attack reflects a wider escalation of Houthi strikes across Saudi territory, including attempted hits on Riyadh, Baish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu Source4. The G7 condemned the attacks and urged Iran to end military support for the group, warning that the escalation threatens global trade and regional stability Source5.
A Second Strike on Islam's Holiest City
The intercepted drone represents an escalating threat to Mecca, Islam's holiest site. Source1 reported that King Salman called the attack a "heinous crime" and a violation of the sanctity of holy sites Source2. The 2017 ballistic missile launch also targeted Mecca, suggesting the Houthis view the city as a strategic objective tied to Saudi authority and prestige.
Houthis Expand Attacks Across Saudi Cities
The Houthi strikes are no longer limited to remote targets. Bahrain identified reported attacks on five cities: Riyadh, Baish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu Source1. Debris from the attacks killed at least one person and injured two others, showing the real human cost of the escalation on civilian populations Source2.
Global Powers Unite Against Iran-Backed Group
The G7 condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and civilian shipping in a rare show of unity Source1. The group called on the Houthis to halt strikes and return to negotiations in good faith Source2. G7 leaders also urged Iran to stop supplying weapons and military support to the movement, describing the escalation as a threat to Middle East stability and global trade routes Source3.
Arab States Call for U.N. Security Council Action
Bahrain and the Arab Interior Ministers Council demanded firm international accountability. Bahrain called on the U.N. Security Council to hold those responsible accountable and enforce Resolution 2216 Source1. Both bodies labeled the attacks violations of international law, humanitarian law, the U.N. Charter, and relevant Security Council resolutions, signaling broader Arab support for Saudi Arabia's defense Source2.
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