Houthi Escalation, Attack against Saudi Universities Draw Condemnation

The Arab coalition shot down several Houthi drones fired at the Kingdom.
The Arab coalition shot down several Houthi drones fired at the Kingdom.
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Houthi Escalation, Attack against Saudi Universities Draw Condemnation

The Arab coalition shot down several Houthi drones fired at the Kingdom.
The Arab coalition shot down several Houthi drones fired at the Kingdom.

Several countries and organizations condemned on Thursday the escalation by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen against Saudi Arabia.

Earlier in the day, the Saudi-led Arab coalition and air defenses intercepted and destroyed eight armed drones fired by the militias towards universities in Jizan and Najran.

Bahrain slammed the Houthis for their continued attacks against the Kingdom, saying they are a flagrant violation of international laws.

The Foreign Ministry expressed Manama’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and all the measures it takes to protect its security, stability and territories. It urged the international community to stand against these heinous attacks that go against Saudi Arabia’s sincere efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution in line with the initiative it announced on Monday.

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned Houthi attack.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the ongoing terrorist attacks by the militias reflect their blatant disregard for the international community and all international laws and norms.

The Ministry urged the international community to take an immediate and decisive stance to stop these recurrent acts, which target critical infrastructure and threaten the security and stability of the Kingdom, as well as global energy supplies. It also stressed that the continued threat of these attacks in recent days is a grave escalation that represents new evidence of this militias’ attempts to undermine security and stability in the region.

It renewed the UAE's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these terrorist acts and its unwavering commitment to opposing any threat to its security and stability, confirming its support for any measures the Kingdom may take to preserve the safety of its citizens and residents.

"The security of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is indivisible, and any threat facing the Kingdom is considered a threat to the UAE's security and stability," the Ministry stressed.

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, strongly condemned the hostile escalation of the terrorist Houthis against the Kingdom.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf condemned the Houthi attack. He remarked that the Houthis persist in these attacks in spite of the Kingdom’s announcement of a new peace initiative for Yemen.

The escalation reflects the flagrant challenge of the Houthi terrorist militias to the international community and their disregard for all international laws and norms, he added. This demands that the international community take an immediate and decisive stance to stop these continued terrorist acts.

He underscored the solidarity the GCC with Saudi Arabia in whatever measures it takes to defend its territories and preserve the safety of its citizens and residents.



Khalid bin Salman Says Saudi Arabia Supporting 'Real Path' for Southern Yemen Cause

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (SPA)
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Khalid bin Salman Says Saudi Arabia Supporting 'Real Path' for Southern Yemen Cause

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (SPA)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman announced on Friday that the Kingdom will form a committee to prepare for the conference Riyadh will host on southern Yemen.

The committee will be formed in consultation with southern Yemen figures, he added, saying the meeting will bring together southerners from all southern regions without discrimination.

The Kingdom will support the outcomes of the conference that will be on a dialogue table that will tackle a comprehensive political solution for the whole of Yemen, he said on the X platform.

He stressed that through the Riyadh conference, the Southern Cause now has a "real path forward that is being sponsored by Saudi Arabia and backed by the international community."

"We are seeking to bring together our southern brothers at the conference to come up with just comprehensive solutions that meet their aspirations," continued Prince Khalid.

Moreover, he noted the Yemeni Southern Transitional Council's decision to dissolve itself, describing the move as "brave" and "reflecting a keenness on the Southern Cause". It will encourage more figures from the South to take part in the conference.


Saudi Arabia Leading Efforts to Unite Yemeni Parties

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber meets with the STC delegation in Riyadh. (Saudi Ambassador on X)
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber meets with the STC delegation in Riyadh. (Saudi Ambassador on X)
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Saudi Arabia Leading Efforts to Unite Yemeni Parties

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber meets with the STC delegation in Riyadh. (Saudi Ambassador on X)
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber meets with the STC delegation in Riyadh. (Saudi Ambassador on X)

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber held talks in Riyadh on Thursday with a delegation from Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The meeting focused on the latest political developments in the country, notably the STC's unilateral military measures in the eastern governorates and their impact on the Southern Cause.

Al-Jaber stressed to the delegation the importance of uniting southern ranks and avoiding measures that would harm the cause and weaken efforts to confront joint challenges.

The measures, led by STC head Aidrous al-Zubaidi, did not help the cause, he stressed. Rather, they weakened the internal front during a critical phase that demands the highest levels of coordination and responsibility.

The Saudi and Yemeni officials discussed political means to approach the next phase as part of efforts to correct course in a way that meets the aspirations of the people of the South and aligns with the efforts of the Saudi-led coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen that are aimed at restoring security and stability in the country.

The meeting addressed arrangements for the Riyadh-hosted conference on the Southern Cause. Saudi Arabia has been keen on sponsoring comprehensive dialogue aimed at addressing the issue to come up with sustainable solutions that take into consideration national and regional circumstances.

STC member Mohammed al-Ghaithi described the meeting with Al-Jaber as fruitful. The gatherers rejected actions that harm the unity of southern ranks and stressed the importance of prioritizing the public interest.

The STC leadership highly appreciates the efforts carried out by Saudi Arabia, especially is hosting of the upcoming conference on the South, underscoring its complete support and faith in the Saudi leadership and its pivotal role in restoring stability, Ghaithi added.


Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Syrian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
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Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Syrian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call on Thursday with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani, the Saudi Press Agency said.

During their call, the two officials discussed developments in Syria and the efforts being made in this regard.