Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that the security, territorial integrity, and capabilities of the country are "a firm principle that cannot be negotiated" and stressed that the right to self-defense and protection of its sovereignty is "valid".
Cabinet Statement
This statement was issued at the end of a cabinet meeting chaired by Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The cabinet condemned the "criminal and deliberate" attacks by the Houthi militia on civilians and civilian locations in the country.
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The cabinet stated: "The security of Saudi Arabia, the safety of its land and resources is a firm principle that cannot be negotiated". It also emphasized the legitimate right of the country to defend itself and protect its sovereignty, citizens, residents, and vital interests based on the UN Charter and international law.
Escalation of Houthi Attacks
This statement comes as Houthi attacks from Yemen to Saudi Arabia have intensified. Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia supporting the legitimate Yemeni government, announced on Tuesday that 13 civilians were injured in Houthi attacks on the cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
In recent days, the Houthis have expanded control over the Red Sea coastline of Yemen, including the island of Meyyun in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Yemen has been embroiled in war since September 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sana'a and took control of several provinces, leading to the intervention of the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia in March 2015 to support the legitimate Yemeni government.
The ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia reflect escalating tensions in the region while also indicating the critical situation in Yemen and its implications for security and stability in the country and neighboring countries.
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