ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday condemned the failed ballistic missile attack by the Yemeni Houthi rebels towards Riyadh.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the launch of ballistic missile by Houthis towards Riyadh that had been aimed against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The successful interception of the ballistic missile by the Royal Saudi Air Defence prevented loss of innocent lives and is commendable,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement.
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The FO said that such attacks apart from violating international law also “threaten peace and security” of Saudi Arabia and the region.
“Pakistan calls for the immediate cessation of these attacks. Pakistan reaffirms its full support and solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any threats to its security and territorial integrity,” said the spokesperson.
Saudi strikes Sanaa after Yemen Houthis fire missile: official media
Pakistan’s condemnation came hours after Riyadh said it had launched overnight air raids against targets in Yemen in retaliation for a ballistic missile fired by Houthi rebels, destroying the launch site in Sanaa.
“We have destroyed sites in Sanaa linked to ballistic missiles and drones,” the official Saudi news agency SPA tweeted.
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It earlier said the Saudi army had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired at the kingdom by Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen.
The Houthis rebels control much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, which they seized in 2014.
A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen a year later to prop up the government in a conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.
The SPA said the target of the retaliatory strike included an area of “caves and secret ballistic missile warehouses on the outskirts of Sanaa”.
The Saudi defence ministry, cited by the news agency, denounced the Houthi missile-firing and the rebels’ “vicious and irresponsible behaviour of targeting civilians”.
“The ministry of defence will take all necessary and deterrent measures to protect civilians and its territory,” the SPA said.
