UAE strongly condemns attack
RIYADH 13 June 2019: The Official Spokesman for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Colonel Turki Al Malki, announced that a hostile projectile fired by the Houthi militia at 02:21 on Wednesday hit the arrivals hall at Abha International Airport through which thousands of passengers of different nationalities pass daily.
The UAE has strongly condemned the Houthi terrorist attack against Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport, which resulted in the injury to many civilians.
In a statement to Wam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the UAE strongly condemned this terrorist act which utilized military projectile capabilities, and deemed it as new evidence of the Houthis hostile and terrorist tendencies that seek to undermine security and stability in the region.
“The UAE renews its solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its stand with Riyadh in a unified step against any threat to the security and stability of the Kingdom and supports all measures taken by Saudi Arabia in the face of extremism and terrorism to maintain its security of its citizens and expatriate residents,” the statement continued.
“The security of the UAE and of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is indivisible,” it noted, adding, “any threat or danger to the Kingdom’s security is considered a threat to UAE’s security and stability.”
The Ministry wished a quick recovery to the injured.
26 Injured
The Saudi Press Agency quoted Colonel Al Maliki as saying that a total of 26 passengers of different nationalities were injured by the projectile, including three women (Yemeni, Indian and Saudi) and two Saudi children.
Eight people with moderate injuries were transferred to a hospital for treatment, while 18 were treated at the site for minor injuries. There was also some physical damage to the airport lounge.
Al Malki stated that the military and security forces are working to determine the type of projectile used in the terrorist attack.
War Crime
“The Iran-backed Houthi militia claimed full responsibility for the attack through its media, saying it used a cruise missile, which constitutes a clear recognition and full responsibility for targeting civilians and their properties that are subject to special protection under international humanitarian law. Thus, it could amount to a war crime.
“This attack also proves this terrorist militia’s acquisition of new special weapons; the continuation of Iranian regime’s support and practice of cross-border terrorism; and the continued violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2216 and Resolution 2231,” he added.
Al Malki stressed that in the face of the Houthi militia attack, as well as its immoral violations, the Command of Joint Forces of the Coalition will take urgent and timely measures to deter this terrorist militia and ensure the protection of civilians and their properties. “In addition, terrorist operatives responsible for the planning and execution of this attack will be held accountable, in accordance with international humanitarian law and its customary rules,” he concluded.
GCC condemns Houthis terror attack
The Gulf Cooperation Council,GCC, on Wednesday deplored strongly the launch of Yemen’s Houthi militias of a missile at Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport that wounded 26 civilians.
In a press statement, GCC, Secretary General Abdulatif Al Zayani described this act as a “terrorist” crime, which runs counter to the international humanitarian law.
He denounced the targeting of the populated areas and civilian facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al Zayani said such an act is a war crime and threatens directly the safety of civilians of both Saudi citizens and residents.
He noted that the act is also a clear evidence of Houthi militias’ violation of all Islamic values and the international laws, according to the statement.
International Call
He called on the international community to denounce such aggressive crimes committed by Houthis against the civilian areas in the kingdom.
The GCC chief also urged the UN Security Council to put an end to continued attacks carried out by the Houthi militias on Saudi Arabia, saying this is a clear threat to regional security and peace.
