The U.S. State Department joined a chorus of other nations in condemning Friday’s attack by the Iran-backed Houthi group on King Abdullah Airport in Jazan, Saudi Arabia that wounded 10.
The attack injured both passengers and airport staff when an explosives-laden drone hit King Abdullah Airport on Friday. According to Arab News, the injured included six Saudis, three Bangladeshis and a Sudanese.
“We condemn the outrageous attack by Houthi forces on King Abdullah Airport in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Our thoughts are with the 10 wounded civilians, who were doing no more than seeking to travel or make a living,” US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a tweet.
The attack involved an explosives-laden drone, a Saudi military official said.
“The attack launched by the Houthis on Jazan last night resulted in the injury of more civilians. With each new attack, the Houthis provide new evidence that they are not interested in peace. We condemn these attacks, and call on the Houthis to stop this abhorrent violence and engage in UN-led talks to end the conflict,” the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh said on Twitter.
Statements of condemnation also poured in from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Muslim World League and Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Kingdom’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdullah Al-Mouallimi, wrote to the Security Council on Saturday evening, saying his country will spare no effort in taking all necessary measures to safeguard its territories and preserve the safety of its citizens and residents, in accordance with international laws.
Friday’s violent attack was not the first by the Houthis targeting civilians on the Jazan airport. In 2019, The Iran-aligned Houthis launched “military operations” against Jazan airport in southern Saudi Arabia, but claims of successful damage or disruption to air traffic was not confirmed or reported.
Similarly, the terrorist group has conducted several attacks on Abha airport in Saudi Arabia. That airport was successfully attacked twice in June 2019, injuring dozens and killing one. Two attacks this year in January and August left civilian aircraft damaged and several injured.
The Houthis have stalled negotiations with the new U.S. Envoy and continued on the offense in Yemen, casting aside legitimate peace talks in favor of violence.
