Region on edge as tensions boil

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 8: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed, early Thursday, Kuwait’s strongest condemnation and denunciation of Houthi militia’s flagrant attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed Kuwait’s categorical rejection of the repetition of these cowardly attacks that target innocent civilians and economic and civilian objects, calling for an immediate halt of these assaults. The attacks which resulted in the killing or wounding dozens of people are a blatant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty as well as international law and international humanitarian law, the statement noted.

The ministry said while renewing Kuwait’s absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for all measures the Kingdom takes to safeguard its sovereignty and security and protect its nationals and residents, it reiterates that the security of Saudi Arabia is an integrated part of the security of Kuwait and the GCC states. It also expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a rapid recovery to those wounded. Several explosions were heard in Saudi Arabia’s capital of Riyadh on Thursday, including a large blast at the city’s international airport, a witness told The Associated Press, a day after the kingdom said an attack on the airport killed one person and wounded others. The blasts had an immediate effect on markets and oil prices as the price of crude jumped, and Saudi Arabia slid further into the latest front in the Iran war.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen claimed responsibility for the new attack on King Khalid International Airport, saying the ballistic missile caused damage but giving no evidence. The Saudis had no immediate comment about the claim. Saudi Civil Defense announced on Thursday that falling debris from an intercepted and destroyed ballistic missile caused material damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in Riyadh. The Civil Defense spokesperson said that teams in Riyadh responded to the incident launched by the “terrorist” Houthi militia, adding that standard procedures for such situations were carried out. Earlier Thursday, the official spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki announced the interception and destruction of two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia toward Riyadh.

The Houthis have repeatedly claimed attacks against Saudi airports, military and oil facilities in recent days. Early Thursday, the rebels warned global airlines “for the last time” about the potential consequences of operating in Saudi airspace, which it called a theater for its military operations. In their new statement, the Houthis also warned people in Saudi Arabia to stay away from oil facilities that “represent targets for our forces” as the rebels press a blockade they recently imposed against the world’s top oil exporter. King Khalid International Airport “closed again,” the Flightradar24 monitor said Thursday afternoon on X not long after the blasts. “Last landing 80+ minutes ago. Last take off 90+ minutes ago.”

Fire and ambulance crews deployed and smoke was visible, the witness said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The witness said outgoing flights were halted and passengers were instructed to leave checked-in luggage behind and evacuate. It was not immediately clear how many flights were disrupted. On Wednesday, Saudi officials said attacks on the Riyadh and Abha airports claimed by the Houthis had killed three people - the first deaths since Saudi Arabia and allied Yemeni forces launched a major ground and air offensive against the rebels. The offensive is aimed at retaking territory that the Houthis seized a month ago along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast and on the Bab el- Mandeb Strait. The rebels’ presence on the Bab el-Mandeb poses a threat to the crucial shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has been curtailed due to Iran’s attacks on ships. The deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia brought condemnation from countries including Britain, India, the United Arab Emirates and others amid fears of an escalation.

Also on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition said forces destroyed a platform in Yemen’s rebel-held capital of Sanaa that had been used to launch attacks on the Saudi capital. The AP could not independently verify these claims. Turkey and Pakistan are assessing possible air defense, electronic warfare and technical assistance for Saudi Arabia under a trilateral agreement, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, while stressing that the deal is defensive, not offensive. “Turkey will not be sending troops into another country’s territory to carry out an attack,” he said, adding that Ankara was trying to resolve the issue through diplomacy. Saudi Arabia has sought support from allies, including the United States, in the face of the Houthis’ attacks. Pakistan’s Information Ministry on Thursday said relevant authorities would provide details of any military involvement if necessary.

The United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and the United Kingdom have issued strong condemnations following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which resulted in multiple casualties. The UAE Foreign Ministry described the assaults as a “flagrant violation” of Saudi sovereignty and a direct threat to the Kingdom’s security and stability. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, supporting all measures aimed at safeguarding the nation. It also extended sincere condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Egypt similarly denounced the attacks in the strongest terms on Thursday, reiterating its complete solidarity with the Kingdom against any threat to its stability. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry warned that targeting Abha and King Khalid airports—killing and wounding dozens—poses a danger to both the Kingdom and the wider region.

The statement emphasized the need to uphold international law and respect national sovereignty, while noting that Egyptian authorities are coordinating with Saudi counterparts regarding Egyptian nationals injured in the strikes. The United Kingdom also voiced strong condemnation, specifically citing the attacks on Abha City in the Aseer Province and infrastructure at King Khalid International Airport. Stephen Doughty, Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Minister of State for the MENA region, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, stated on X: “We strongly condemn the attacks on Abha and King Khalid International Airport infrastructure. The UK stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these reckless Houthi attacks.” He added, “Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and all those injured.” (Agencies)