Saudi Coalition Draws Line After Houthi Strikes: ‘We Will Respond Firmly’

RIYADH, Sep 8: The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen has described the latest Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia as a “dangerous escalation,” warning that the militia’s hostile actions will be met with a firm response.

Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the escalation, including attempts to target Saudi territory, national assets, citizens and residents, reflects what he described as the Houthis’ “hostile and irresponsible” approach.

Al-Maliki said the latest attacks targeted civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, leaving 73 civilians injured, including women and children.

He described the attacks as a violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and a direct threat to the security and safety of citizens and residents. According to Al-Maliki, the attacks also deliberately targeted the Kingdom’s national resources, facilities and civilian sites.

The coalition spokesman said the latest incidents demonstrate what he characterized as the Houthis’ continued rejection of efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in Yemen and the wider region.

Al-Maliki stressed that the attacks against civilian and economic targets could not be viewed as isolated incidents, arguing that the targeting of national assets and civilian facilities represents a serious escalation in the conflict.

He further accused the Houthi militia of pursuing an approach that threatens regional security and stability, saying its attacks pose a direct danger to Saudi Arabia and those living within its territory.

Al-Maliki said the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition would take all necessary operational measures to deter the Houthis and confront their hostile activities.

He stressed that the coalition would act to defend Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, protect national assets and safeguard the lives and security of citizens and residents.

“The necessary measures and actions” would also be taken to respond to the sources of the threat and neutralize the danger posed by them, Al-Maliki said.

The statement signals a potentially tougher response from the coalition following the latest attacks, as Saudi authorities continue to emphasize the need to protect civilian areas and critical national infrastructure from attacks.

The coalition reiterated its commitment to confronting threats directed at the Kingdom while portraying the latest Houthi escalation as a major obstacle to efforts to establish peace and stability in Yemen and the surrounding region.