Saudi Arabia Condemns Houthi Attacks on Islam’s Holy Cities, Vows to Defend Kingdom

RIYADH, Oct 5 : Saudi Arabia on Monday strongly condemned what it described as continued attacks by the Houthi militia against civilians and civilian and economic infrastructure in the Kingdom, as well as repeated attacks targeting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Houthis had also targeted Riyadh and other Saudi cities, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Taif and Yanbu, in addition to Saudi vessels in the southern Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

The ministry said Saudi Arabia had pursued efforts since the Houthis' 2014 takeover of Yemen to support a comprehensive and lasting political solution. It accused the Houthis of rejecting peace and continuing military escalation, which it said was causing further humanitarian and economic suffering for Yemenis while serving foreign agendas.

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to defend its territory, resources and sovereignty and protect its citizens and residents, saying it would take all necessary measures in accordance with international law.

The Kingdom also renewed its political and military support for Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, the Yemeni government and the Yemeni people, with the stated aim of ending the Houthi takeover and restoring Yemen's state institutions.

Riyadh called on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to fulfill their responsibilities, implement relevant Security Council resolutions and provide full support to Yemen's internationally recognized government in confronting the Houthis and what Saudi Arabia described as their threat to Yemen, the region and the wider world.

The statement was issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry on October 5, 2026.