Saudi-Led Coalition Vows Continued Support for Yemeni Forces, Measures to Deter Houthi Attacks
RIYADH, Oct 4 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen said on Sunday it would continue providing full operational support to the Yemeni armed forces and backing the internationally recognized government, while affirming Saudi Arabia’s right to take measures to deter Houthi attacks and protect its sovereignty.
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the Joint Forces Command would maintain its support for Yemeni forces and stand with the government and people of Yemen in efforts to restore the state and its national institutions.
Al-Maliki accused the Houthis of carrying out repeated abuses against Yemenis, including internal sieges, forced displacement, deprivation of food, appropriation of resources, intimidation of tribal communities, attacks on Yemen’s social fabric, intimidation of women and recruitment of children.
He also cited Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including attempts to target Makkah and Madinah as well as civilians and civilian sites in Riyadh, Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Taif and Yanbu.
The spokesman further pointed to attempts to target Saudi vessels in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, saying such actions required continued measures to deter further attacks and protect Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty.
Al-Maliki reaffirmed what he described as the Kingdom’s inherent right to defend its sovereignty and protect the Two Holy Mosques, its citizens, residents and national assets.
He said Saudi Arabia would continue supporting Yemen until state institutions are restored and the threat posed by the Houthis is ended.
Al-Maliki also said threats to maritime navigation in the southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab undermine regional and international security and pose risks to global shipping, international trade and the interests of states worldwide.
