Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye condemn Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye have strongly condemned ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that reportedly caused civilian deaths and injuries and damaged civilian infrastructure.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the four countries, collectively known as the R4 Group, described the attacks as violations of international law and Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement said the attacks posed a direct threat to Saudi Arabia’s security, stability and civilian safety, describing them as a dangerous escalation that could not be justified under any circumstances.

The group reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expressed full support for measures taken by the kingdom to counter the attacks, deter threats and prevent further incidents.

It said such measures should be in line with the United Nations Charter and international law, while protecting the safety of Saudi citizens and residents.

The four countries held the Houthi militia responsible for the consequences of the attacks and any repercussions that could threaten regional and international peace and security.

They called for an immediate and unconditional halt to the attacks, according to the statement shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Sunday.

The development comes as the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said an “unidentified projectile” had targeted Riyadh’s international airport on Sunday, causing ‌a fire, hours after the Iran-backed Houthis warned airlines and travellers to stay away from Saudi airports.

The coalition also said Saudi air defences had intercepted a cruise missile in the vicinity of King Khalid International Airport. No further details were immediately available.