Arab League and UN Condemn Ongoing Houthi Hostilities Against Saudi Arabia
- The Arab League emphasized that the Kingdom’s security is fundamental to the overall safety of the Arab world
- The United Nations reiterated that attacks on civilians and essential infrastructure violate international humanitarian law
Updated 25 min 5 sec ago
October 9, 2026 00:49
LONDON: The Arab League’s secretary‑general, Nabil Fahmy, condemned the continuing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia during a telephone conversation with the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. He urged that the security of the Kingdom is integral to the stability of the wider Arab world.
During the call with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the leaders also examined recent regional dynamics and explored ways for the League to enhance its response to challenges facing the region.
Their discussions took place shortly after Saudi Civil Defense reported that falling debris from an intercepted Houthi ballistic missile had damaged a kindergarten and a medical facility in Riyadh on Thursday, though no immediate casualties were confirmed.
Earlier in the day, the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen announced it had intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh and a third directed toward Khamis Mushayt.
Attacks by the Iran‑backed Yemeni militia against the Kingdom have escalated in recent weeks. These incidents occurred following strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, where three individuals were killed and 36 wounded, according to Saudi civil aviation officials.
The United Nations expressed strong concern about the broader military escalation in and around Yemen. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric warned that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law and appealed for all parties to adhere to these obligations and take protective measures.
“We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing military escalation in and around Yemen, with intense fighting across multiple frontlines, including around Taiz,” Dujarric stated. “We strongly emphasize that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law.”
Simultaneously, combat between the Houthis and Yemeni government forces has intensified along Yemen’s western Red Sea coastline, including zones near the Bab Al‑Mandab Strait, a crucial corridor for international shipping.
