Saudi diplomat calls Houthi rocket attack on Riyadh “blatant assault”

CAIRO - 8 November 2017: Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Qattan on Wednesday denounced the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen towards Riyadh, calling Saturday’s attack as a blatant assault and an act of aggression by Iranian-backed Houthi militants.

In a press statement, Qattan said the attack confirms the Iranian support of Houthi militias to target the Saudi Kingdom, describing this Iranian act as a clear and flagrant violation of the UN resolution 2216, which prohibits providing arms for the Houthis.

Also, he asserted that Saudi Arabia will not stand idle by the heinous act of aggression by Iran, pointing out that Riyadh reserves its right to respond in the timely manner and in accordance with the international law.

Launching such sophisticated and long-range missiles towards populated areas contradicts the international humanitarian law and poses a threat to the Saudi security and the regional and international security as well, he asserted.

These rocket attacks represent an obstacle to regional and international efforts to restore peace and security in Yemen, Qattan said.

Saudi Arabia has taken tough measures to prevent smuggling ballistic missiles into Yemen by tightening inspection procedures, in addition to closing temporarily all of Yemen’s ground, air and sea ports without hindering the entry of relief teams and humanitarian aid.