Pakistan: 'To the Fullest Extent' in Defending Saudi Arabia

Washington – Agencies: Pakistan has affirmed that it will go “to the furthest extent” in defending its ally Saudi Arabia, while the UN Security Council “strongly condemned” the attacks carried out by the Houthi group against the Kingdom. (See page 12). In an interview with the English-language Saudi newspaper Arab News, Pakistani Army spokesperson Ahmed Shafiq Chaudhry said his country supports the Kingdom “diplomatically and practically,” adding, “We will go to the furthest extent to ensure the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Meanwhile, Security Council members “strongly condemned” the attacks launched by Houthi militias on Saudi Arabia, stating that they “have caused damage to civilians and energy infrastructure, and resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.” In a press statement yesterday, council members reiterated their condemnation of the attacks and threats against commercial navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the safety of commercial vessels and their crews. The Council stressed the importance of full implementation of its Resolution 2216 (2015) and subsequent resolutions. Members expressed deep concern over reports indicating civilian deaths and injuries, and the displacement of at least 125,000 people in Yemen since the beginning of September, as well as the destruction of civilian assets and infrastructure due to Houthi attacks. The Security Council highlighted that the military escalation by the Houthis threatens to expand the conflict, undermine maritime security and international trade, and hinder regional and international efforts to achieve peace in Yemen. The Council expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of attacks affecting civilians and civilian property on its territory, affirming its inherent right to self-defense in accordance with international law. Members reaffirmed their support for the Yemeni government and their strong commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.