RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Turkiye condemned on Sunday the ongoing Houthi attacks on the Kingdom, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed and injured civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure.

In a joint statement, the four countries, known as the R4 Group, called the attacks a “blatant violation of international law” and a “flagrant violation” of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They said the strikes were a dangerous escalation that threatened Saudi Arabia’s security and the safety of civilians.

The group pledged solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its full support for all legitimate measures it takes to counter the attacks and deter further threats, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

It held the Houthis responsible for the attacks and any consequences that threaten regional and international peace and security, and demanded an immediate, unconditional halt to the strikes.

Gulf countries

The UAE’s Foreign Ministry separately condemned attacks on King Khalid International Airport that wounded several civilians, calling them a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability.

Both countries reaffirmed their solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures to safeguard the Kingdom’s security and stability.

Kuwait also condemned the attacks, saying strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Sunday killed one resident and injured others at the Riyadh airport, while causing material damage.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry called for a firm international response to halt the attacks and hold those responsible accountable, reaffirming its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and saying the Kingdom’s security was integral to that of Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Regional

Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani also called for international action against the Houthis, saying the targeting of civilian airports threatened international aviation security. He urged the UN Security Council and relevant international organizations to hold those responsible for the attacks, and those supporting them, accountable.

Jordan and the United Arab Emirates on Monday also condemned the continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said the strikes on the two airports on Sunday killed one resident, injured others and caused material damage, describing them as a flagrant violation of international law and an assault on Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and stability.

Libya’s Government of National Unity also condemned the attacks, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its leadership, government and people.

In a statement, its Foreign Ministry said the attacks over the past two days had targeted airports, energy facilities and other sites, expressing concern over the escalation, loss of life, injuries and damage to airport facilities, as well as disruptions to air traffic.

The ministry offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

International condemnation

France also condemned the Houthi attack on Riyadh airport on Sunday, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and friends and wishing those injured a speedy recovery. It said a French woman was among the injured.

France reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and said it would continue to support the Kingdom in defending its territory and infrastructure, calling on the Houthis to immediately halt their attacks.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also condemned the Houthi attacks and offered her condolences to the families of those killed.

Speaking to reporters, she said EU foreign ministers would discuss additional measures the bloc could take to address the escalation at a meeting later on Monday in Luxembourg.

Japan also strongly condemned the recent series of Houthi attacks on airports and civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia and reiterated its demand that the group immediately cease escalating tensions both within and outside Yemen.

In a statement issued on October 11, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed Japan’s condolences’ to the Saudi government and the victims' families, while wishing a swift recovery to those injured.

“Attacks on civilians and civilian facilities can never be tolerated. Peace and stability in the Middle East are of the utmost importance to the international community, including Japan, particularly regarding energy security,” the minister stated.

Airport strikes

Earlier on Sunday, a fire broke out at Terminal Four of King Khalid International Airport after an unidentified projectile struck the passenger terminal, the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said.

Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority later reported injuries and said damage assessments and safety checks were underway.

The incident came a day after a missile attack killed 13 people and wounded more than 300 others.