The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen closed the country's air, sea and land borders Monday, blaming Iran for the Houthi-fired ballistic missile on Riyadh and warning it could be "considered as an act of war."
The Arab coalition's statement said the closures would be temporary and take into account the work of humanitarian and aid organizations.
The statement said that the borders were being closed "to fill the gaps in the inspection procedures which enable the continued smuggling of missiles and military equipment to the Houthi militias loyal to Iran in Yemen.”
Despite the temporary closure of the air, sea and land ports, the coalition would protect "the entry and exit of relief and humanitarian personnel.”
Saudi Arabia has said it shot down the missile that was intended to target Riyadh, with fragments landing in an uninhabited area north of the capital near Riyadh international airport.
The statement described the attack as a "dangerous escalation."
"Iran's role and its direct command of its Houthi proxy in this matter constitutes a clear act of aggression that targets neighboring countries, and threatens peace and security in the region and globally," the Arab coalition said.
"Therefore, the coalition's command considers this a blatant act of military aggression by the Iranian regime, and could rise to be considered as an act of war against the kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
The statement added: "The coalition command also affirms that the kingdom reserves its right to respond to Iran in the appropriate time and manner."
The coalition called upon the “Yemeni people and all civilian and humanitarian crews to avoid areas of combat operations, areas populated by the Houthi armed insurgents, areas and ports exploited by this Iranian-controlled militia to smuggle weapons, and areas from which this militia launch its attacks against the Kingdom.”
It also urged “diplomatic missions to avoid areas that are not controlled by the Legitimate Government of Yemen.”
The statement called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council for the implementation of Resolution 2216, to take all necessary legal measures to hold Iran accountable for its violation of UN Resolutions.
