Arab Coalition: Houthi Targeting of Abha Airport Is a War Crime

Arab coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki. (Reuters)
Arab coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki. (Reuters)
TT
20

Arab Coalition: Houthi Targeting of Abha Airport Is a War Crime

Arab coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki. (Reuters)
Arab coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki. (Reuters)

The Saudi-led Arab coalition announced on Wednesday that the terrorist Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen had launched an attack against the Kingdom’s Abha International Airport.

The coalition revealed that a passenger plane was damaged in the attack. A fire at the aircraft has since been contained.

The alliance slammed the cowardly attack, deeming it a war crime.

It condemned the Houthis for endangering the lives of passengers, vowing to take the necessary measures to protect civilians and hold the terrorist Houthis accountable in line with international law.

Earlier on Wednesday, the coalition announced that it had intercepted and destroyed two armed drones launched by the Houthis towards the Kingdom.

Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki accused the militias of deliberately firing the aircraft at civilian locations in southern Saudi Arabia.



Saudi FM Discusses Tensions with His Indian, Pakistani Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
TT
20

Saudi FM Discusses Tensions with His Indian, Pakistani Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, held separate telephone calls on Saturday with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts where discussions focused on de-escalating military tensions between the two countries.

During his telephone talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar., the Saudi minister reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to regional security and stability, emphasizing its strong and balanced relations with both friendly nations.

In relation, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir visited India and Pakistan on May 8 and 9, following directives from the Saudi leadership in a diplomatic effort aimed at defusing tensions between the two countries.

In a statement on Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit is part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to de-escalate tension, end ongoing military confrontations, and promote dialogue and diplomatic channels as a means to resolve disputes between the two nations.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received al-Jubeir in Islamabad on Thursday. The two discussed the recent developments in the region, underscoring the importance of diplomatic channels and peaceful solutions to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Shahbaz expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan’s government said in a statement, praising the positive fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Al-Jubeir had on Wednesday met in New Delhi with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. In a post on X, the Indian Prime Minister described the meeting as “productive”.

On April 30, Saudi Arabia expressed concern about the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

In an official statement, the Kingdom urged the two countries to defuse tensions and resolve the disputes through diplomatic means.