Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 9: India has strongly condemned the reported Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly the targeting of civilian and economic facilities, describing such attacks on Saudi sovereign territory as “unacceptable”.

Responding to a media query, the Ministry of External Affairs said the attacks undermine regional peace, security and stability and pose a threat to freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb, one of the world’s key maritime routes.

Saudi Arabia said Houthi attacks on energy facilities in the kingdom’s southern region on Tuesday triggered fires and forced the temporary suspension of some operations. According to the Saudi Energy Ministry, several energy-sector facilities and installations were targeted, while a number of people were injured.

Saudi authorities have also accused the Iran-backed Houthi rebels of targeting civilian and economic sites in the kingdom. At least 73 civilians, including women and children, were reportedly wounded in the attacks.

The developments came amid an escalation in fighting in Yemen, where the Saudi-backed internationally recognised government has launched a counteroffensive to regain territory from the Houthis.

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Major-General Turki al-Maliki said Houthi attacks had targeted civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan and Najran. He described the attacks as a “dangerous escalation” and a “blatant violation” of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty.

Al-Maliki said the attacks posed a direct threat to Saudi citizens and residents and warned that the coalition would take all necessary operational measures to counter the attacks and address the sources of the threat.

India stressed that attacks of this nature have wider implications for regional peace and maritime security, particularly given the strategic importance of the Bab-el-Mandeb maritime corridor.