(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
BERLIN — Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan have condemned an alleged ballistic missile attack by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group targeting Saudi Arabia’s Madinah region, expressing solidarity with Riyadh and reaffirming support for its sovereignty and security.
The condemnations came Thursday after the Saudi-led coalition announced that its air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile reportedly launched toward Madinah.
The coalition also reported shooting down a Houthi drone over Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described the attempted attack as “a blatant provocation of Muslims, a reckless disregard for civilian lives,” and a violation of Saudi sovereignty and international law.
Doha reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia and its right to take legitimate measures to protect its territory, national security and citizens.
Kuwait also denounced the reported attack, describing the continued missile and drone threats as “a flagrant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, international law and international humanitarian law.”
The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry reiterated its support for Riyadh’s efforts to safeguard its security and protect residents from potential attacks.
Meanwhile, Bahrain expressed particular concern over the reported targeting of Madinah, home to the Prophet’s Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said any attempt to strike the region threatens civilians, religious visitors and the sanctity of Islamic holy places.
The ministry called on the United Nations Security Council to adopt stronger measures against repeated Houthi attacks, prevent threats to religious sites and civilian infrastructure, and hold those responsible accountable.
Jordan likewise condemned the reported missile launch, describing it as a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional security and stability.
In a statement, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said the attempted attack also violated international law and the United Nations Charter.
Amman reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for measures aimed at protecting the kingdom’s territory, citizens and residents.
Houthis deny targeting Madinah
Despite the Saudi-led coalition’s announcement, the Houthi group rejected allegations that it had targeted Madinah.
The conflicting statements came amid continuing hostilities involving the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition.
Yemen has been embroiled in civil war since September 2014, when Houthi forces seized the capital, Sanaa, and other territories.
In March 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The prolonged conflict has fueled regional security concerns, with missile and drone attacks posing continuing risks to civilian populations and infrastructure.
Recent reports of renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi territory have prompted further calls from Arab governments for stronger international action to prevent escalation.
The latest condemnations underscore regional concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia and the potential consequences of attacks near Islamic holy sites.
