The Saudi Council of Ministers has issued a stern warning that the Houthi militia will face consequences for its repeated aggressions against the Kingdom, while commending the Coalition's military operations aimed at neutralizing the militia's threats and safeguarding regional and international security.
During a session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, the Council affirmed that the coalition's operations are designed to mitigate Houthi dangers to the Yemeni people, preserve international peace and security, and protect global trade routes and supply chains. The Kingdom emphasized its resolve not to permit any threats to its security or the freedom of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, recalling past attacks targeting Saudi airports, Mecca, Medina, pilgrims, and civilian and economic infrastructure.
The Council also lauded the Saudi Armed Forces' role in defending the nation, protecting its sovereignty and assets, and countering any threats to the safety of citizens and residents. The statement underscored the Kingdom's commitment to its security and stability and its ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the region and the world. These remarks come amidst growing concerns over the repercussions of Houthi escalation on navigation security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, a critical artery for international commerce.
Concurrently, the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced a significant military operation targeting vital sources used by the Houthi militia to sustain its war efforts. The strikes focused on fuel storage and transportation facilities in Sana'a, Hodeidah, and Dhamar. The coalition's spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, stated that the Joint Forces Command had confirmed the Houthis' use of civilian objects and critical resources to support their military operations. He cited specific sites including the Al-Sabaha Central Station in Sana'a, underground fuel reserve depots, and fuel tanks and terminals in Hodeidah, Sana'a, and Dhamar used for oil product transfer and unloading.
Al-Maliki explained that the coalition believes these sites are utilized by the militia to bolster its arsenal of missiles and drones, which he described as posing a threat to Saudi Arabia, its airports and ports, and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. He also accused the Houthis of planning attacks against civilian targets within the Kingdom and merchant ships in international waterways. The operation, he added, was specifically aimed at neutralizing capabilities that the militia employs to threaten Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the southern Red Sea, and international maritime routes. He further alleged that the Houthis are depriving Yemenis of legitimate access to resources and facilities that should serve their needs.
The coalition spokesperson reiterated that all feasible precautions were taken during the planning and execution of the operation to avoid civilian casualties or collateral damage, underscoring the coalition's adherence to international humanitarian law.
