Official Egyptian Statement After Houthi Attacks on Riyadh

- Egypt expressed in a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs its strongest condemnation of the attacks launched by the Houthis in Yemen against Riyadh in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated in the statement late Saturday that these attacks are a "blatant violation of the security and stability of the Kingdom and the entire region, as well as of the rules and provisions of international law, and represent a serious escalation that could increase tensions and destabilize the region."

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry affirmed its "categorical rejection of any attempt to undermine the security and sovereignty of the Kingdom, and its full solidarity with the Kingdom and any measures it takes to maintain its stability and safety, considering that its security and the security of Egypt are an indivisible whole." The "Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen," led by Saudi Arabia, announced on Saturday the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis against the Saudi capital, Riyadh, following the group's announcement of targeting the cities of Riyadh and Yanbu in the Kingdom.

The "Coalition" stated in its announcement that "the Houthi militia attempted to target civilians and civilian objects in the cities of Bish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, and the hostile attempts were thwarted by air defenses." The statement continued: "The escalation of the terrorist Houthi militia and its continued attempts to target civilians and civilian objects in Riyadh confirms the obstinacy of this militia and its deliberate and systematic targeting of civilians and civilian objects in a terrorist and hostile manner."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conducted a visit to Egypt last Tuesday, during which he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The two sides agreed that the relations between the two countries "can only be optimal within the Arab framework, and that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states is part of Egypt's national security." The Egyptian presidency confirmed in a statement after the meeting its "complete reservation, rejection, and condemnation of any attacks or threats that affect the sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity of the Kingdom or the freedom of navigation in international maritime corridors, and that the current circumstances require more solidarity and coordination between the two countries."