Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilian and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia.
The attacks reportedly left 73 people injured across the Kingdom. They also caused fires at several energy facilities.
The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.
Shehbaz Sharif shared his reaction on X on Tuesday. He strongly criticised the attacks and expressed concern over their impact.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the cowardly attack by Houthis targeting civilian and energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which have left many people injured.”
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people.
He specifically expressed solidarity with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He also mentioned Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people.
“Such dastardly attacks threaten innocent lives as well as regional peace and security,” Shehbaz Sharif said.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. He also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Houthi Attacks
Saudi Arabia also condemned the attacks on its territory. The attacks wounded 73 people, according to a Saudi-led coalition statement. Riyadh said it would take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.
The Saudi foreign ministry called for an immediate end to the escalation. It also called for an end to Houthi attacks targeting shipping.
Saudi authorities said attacks on energy facilities caused fires. Consequently, some operations were temporarily suspended.
“Several energy sector facilities and installations in the southern region of the kingdom were targeted this morning,” an energy ministry source said.
“The attacks caused fires at several locations, leading to a temporary halt in some operations”, as well as several injuries, it said.
The developments have raised fresh concerns over security in the region. Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have vowed to respond to the attacks.
Houthi Strikes Target Saudi Facilities
The attacks reportedly targeted several locations in southern Saudi Arabia. Houthi media said the rebels targeted Abha International Airport. They also reported attacks on King Khalid air base.
Facilities belonging to Saudi state-owned oil company Aramco in Abha and Jizan were also reportedly targeted. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that civilians suffered injuries.
“The Terrorist Houthi Militia’s senseless attacks, the latest of which targeted civilian and economic sites”, resulted in “injuries to (73) civilians,” the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition said in a statement. The coalition also pledged to respond to the attacks.
“The Command will also take all necessary measures and actions to respond to the sources of the threat and neutralise its danger.”
The attacks affected both civilian and economic sites. Therefore, they have added another layer of tension to the ongoing regional conflict.
Saudi Arabia Vows to Defend Its Territory
Saudi Arabia said it would take necessary steps to defend its territory. The country also called for an immediate halt to what it described as escalating actions by the Houthis.
The foreign ministry linked the call to both attacks inside Saudi Arabia and Houthi attacks on shipping. Meanwhile, damage to energy facilities caused temporary interruptions.
Fires broke out at several locations after the attacks. Several people also suffered injuries. The Saudi response underlines the seriousness of the latest escalation.
Attacks Follow Strikes Around Yemen
The Houthi attacks came after the group accused Riyadh of carrying out strikes around Yemen. The accusation followed a deadly bombardment of a prison in northern Yemen.
The attack on the jail in Al-Hazm killed 11 people. Another 20 inmates were reportedly missing beneath the rubble. The reported prison strike added to tensions between the two sides.
A child visiting the facility was also reportedly among those killed. The developments came as fighting intensified along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast.
Fighting Intensifies Near the Red Sea
Days of fighting near the Red Sea coast have reportedly killed more than 300 people. The clashes have also displaced hundreds of families.
The Houthis have been attempting to capture territory bordering the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. The waterway serves as the southern entrance to the Red Sea. It also forms an important route for regional shipping.
The latest fighting has therefore increased concerns over the security of the area. The conflict also carries wider significance because of the waterway’s importance for Saudi oil exports.
Bab al-Mandab Strait Remains Strategic
The Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Its location makes it an important shipping route.
The waterway has become particularly significant for Saudi oil exports during Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The blockade began after the start of the US-Iran war on Iran, according to the supplied information. Meanwhile, the Houthi offensive has focused on areas along the western Red Sea coast.
Experts cited in the supplied report said the group aims to advance towards Bab al-Mandab. Such developments have added to the security concerns surrounding the region.
Yemen Conflict Enters Another Phase
The conflict in Yemen between government forces and the Houthis reignited in July. The renewed fighting followed several years of relative calm.
The Houthis are backed by Iran. They are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The government has support from a Saudi-led coalition.
Over the course of the conflict, the Houthis have taken control of most major population centres in Yemen. Their territorial control includes the capital, Sanaa.
The renewed clashes have now extended beyond Yemen’s internal frontlines. The latest Houthi attacks on Saudi territory have further raised tensions between the sides.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement reflects Pakistan’s strong expression of solidarity with Saudi Arabia. He condemned attacks against civilian and energy facilities in the Kingdom. He also stressed the broader threat posed by such attacks.
“Such dastardly attacks threaten innocent lives as well as regional peace and security,” Shehbaz Sharif said.
Pakistan also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The prime minister extended his support to the Saudi leadership and people. He also prayed for the recovery of those injured.
Regional Tensions Continue
The latest attacks have added to an already tense regional situation.
Saudi Arabia has pledged to take necessary measures in response. At the same time, the Houthis continue their military activities along the western Red Sea coast.
The fighting has already caused deaths and displacement in Yemen. Now, attacks on Saudi territory have brought renewed attention to the wider security situation.
Energy facilities have also become part of the latest confrontation. Fires caused temporary interruptions at several locations.
Meanwhile, civilian casualties have added to concerns surrounding the escalation. For Pakistan, the latest developments have prompted a strong condemnation from the prime minister.
Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia. He has also emphasised the importance of protecting regional peace and security.
The latest escalation therefore highlights the continuing volatility surrounding Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the strategically important Red Sea region.
