Saudi Cabinet: The Houthis will face the consequences of their attacks on the Kingdom

On Tuesday, the Saudi Council of Ministers warned the Houthi group in Yemen that it “will face the consequences of its crimes and attacks” against the Kingdom. A statement by the Council, which was chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, affirmed that "the terrorist Houthi militia will face the consequences of its crimes and repeated sinful attacks on the airports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Mecca and Medina, and those visiting the Two Holy Mosques, and on civilian and economic notables and installations."

The Council expressed its condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks, while praising "the determined role of the armed forces in defending the homeland, protecting its gains and capabilities, and deterring any attack or threat to its sovereignty and the safety of its people and those residing on its land with all competence and ability." The Saudi Council of Ministers affirmed that the Kingdom “will not allow its security or freedom of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait to be threatened, and it appreciates the positions of brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations denouncing the crimes of that oppressive coup group.”

The Houthi group's attacks on Saudi Arabia escalated during the past week, targeting airports and vital facilities, resulting in deaths and hundreds of injuries, in a development that kept King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh closed. The Saudi army stated that it intercepted a missile over Riyadh and destroyed two other missiles over Khamis Mushait, southwest of the country. The armed forces under the control of the Houthis in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks, noting that they targeted King Khalid International Airport and a military base.

The group also renewed its warnings to international airlines against operating flights to Saudi airports. These attacks came shortly after the Saudi authorities announced that King Khalid International Airport would remain closed until further notice, as a notice to air navigation (NOTAM) indicated that the airport would remain closed until at least October 17.

Saudi Arabia launched a large-scale attack last week, in support of the Yemeni government forces in their confrontation with the Houthis, but the group has so far managed to withstand and maintain its positions.