Coalition announces destruction of six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi terrorist militia
The official spokesperson for the coalition forces, “Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen,” Major General Turki Al-Maliki, announced the “interception and destruction of six ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia.”
In an official statement, the spokesperson said that “air defense interceptions thwarted an attempt to target Taif and Yanbu, and the escalation and violations by the terrorist Houthi militia will be met with firm action.”
Prior to this, the Saudi Civil Defense announced that an alert had been issued via the National Early Warning Platform for emergencies in Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu, and Tabuk to warn of danger. Shortly thereafter, it issued a notice that the danger to these cities had been cleared, urging the public to follow safety guidelines and official instructions.
In a statement, the Civil Defense also called for calm during the early warning period, immediate movement to the nearest safe location inside a building or an interior room away from windows, and remaining there until the danger has passed. It advised against leaving homes or buildings, staying away from open areas and glass, and avoiding balconies or rooftops.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed the strength and resilience of the relations between his country and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. He emphasized Pakistan’s stance alongside the Kingdom in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites.
Writing on his account on the “X” platform, Sharif stated: “Pakistan stands firm, shoulder to shoulder, with the Kingdom in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites.” He renewed his country’s strong condemnation of the Houthi attacks on the Kingdom, particularly the despicable attempt to target the city of Mecca with a drone, and affirmed that any threat to the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques affects the sentiments of Muslims around the world.
He added that Pakistan “takes great pride in its historical and steadfast brotherhood with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, rooted in faith, mutual trust, and the enduring bonds between the two peoples.”
Sharif clarified that this brotherhood is evolving into a stronger strategic partnership, supported by a shared commitment to peace, security, and the unity of the Islamic Ummah. He noted that the two countries signed a Joint Strategic Defense Agreement in Mecca.
In another development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in a ministerial meeting titled “Enhancing Cooperation for a Safe Maritime Domain,” held on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting discussed enhancing international cooperation and coordination to protect maritime security, and explored ways to address the challenges and threats facing maritime passages and domains, contributing to ensuring freedom of navigation, securing supply chains, and promoting regional and international stability and security.
Also on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings, a coalition of 80 countries called for the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Gulf region, which had been disrupted by Iran. The coalition condemned the Houthi militia’s decision to resume its attacks and its advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The 80 countries issued a joint statement, read by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, demanding the urgent and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement warned of the risks posed by attacks and the disruption of energy security and global trade.
Speaking to journalists while reading the statement, the Bahraini Foreign Minister said, “We call for the full restoration of the rights and principles of navigation without delay.”
He added, “We demand that the safe passage of ships be guaranteed without fees or obstacles. Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten security and navigation.”
The 80 countries also expressed their “support for the UN Security Council resolutions condemning Iran and its disruption of global energy security.”
Regarding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the advance of the terrorist Houthi militia toward it, the statement warned that the Houthis’ advance toward Bab el-Mandeb increases risks to maritime shipping and international trade, and condemned the Houthi militia’s decision to resume attacks.
The 80 countries called for “not using ships as a bargaining chip,” condemning Iranian actions that have put the lives of innocent people at risk.
