Several Arab nations issued strong condemnations on Thursday after the Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward the Madinah region. Air defences also downed a Houthi drone over the kingdom’s Eastern Province.
Qatar described the attack in a foreign ministry statement as a blatant provocation of Muslims and a reckless disregard for civilian lives. Doha termed the assault a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a breach of international law, reaffirming its full solidarity with Riyadh and its support for all legitimate measures taken to safeguard territorial integrity.
Kuwait also expressed outright rejection of the continued cross-border assaults. Its foreign ministry called the offensive a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, reiterating unwavering support for measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its security and safeguard the lives of citizens and residents.
Bahrain pointed to the specific danger posed to religious sites, stating that targeting Madinah threatened civilians and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. Manama described the act as an assault on the sanctity of Islamic holy sites that offends Muslims worldwide.
The foreign ministry of Bahrain renewed a call on the United Nations Security Council to take firm and deterrent measures. It urged the international body to halt repeated Houthi attacks, prevent the targeting of religious holy sites and civilian objects, and hold perpetrators and their supporters accountable.
Jordan joined in the condemnation, describing the attempt to strike the Madinah region with a ballistic missile as a provocation to Muslim sentiments. Amman termed the action a threat to regional security and stability and a blatant breach of the UN Charter, backing all steps taken by the kingdom to ensure safety.
The Saudi-led coalition reported the interception of the ballistic missile on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Houthi movement rejected claims that they attempted to target Madinah.
Yemen has been gripped by civil war since the Houthi militia seized the capital Sanaa and other regions in September 2014. The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened to support the internationally recognized Yemeni government in March 2015, and fighting has intensified in recent weeks as the Houthis launched repeated missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory.
