Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait City
Kuwait City, Jul 21: Kuwait on Tuesday strongly condemned Yemen's Houthi movement over its threats against Saudi-linked shipping and reaffirmed its full support for Saudi Arabia, stressing the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
In a statement, Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected what it described as the Houthis' "false allegations" against Saudi Arabia and denounced the group's threats to maritime security in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
The ministry urged the international community to ensure the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722, which focuses on protecting international shipping routes in the Red Sea.
Kuwait also reiterated its unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia, stating that it supports all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity.
The statement followed the Houthis' announcement on Monday of a maritime ban targeting vessels linked to Saudi Arabia. The group accused Riyadh of carrying out airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport, which remains under Houthi control.
In response, the Saudi-led coalition pledged to take "necessary and decisive" action to ensure the safety of commercial vessels passing through the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that any threats to maritime traffic would be met with a firm response.
A senior Houthi leader, Abdullah Al-Naami, a member of the group's Supreme Political Council, warned that Saudi Arabia's critical infrastructure was within the range of Houthi missile and drone capabilities. He said the group was prepared to escalate the conflict in response to what it described as the blockade imposed on Yemen.
Speaking to Lebanon-based broadcaster Al Mayadeen, Al-Naami said Sanaa International Airport would continue to receive international flights and warned that any attempt by Saudi Arabia to block air traffic to or from the airport would provoke what he called a "comprehensive response."
He also cautioned that if the United States joined Saudi Arabia in military operations against Yemen, Washington would face serious consequences.
The latest exchange follows heightened tensions surrounding Sanaa International Airport. Last week, Yemen's internationally recognised government reportedly targeted the airport's runway to prevent an Iranian aircraft carrying senior Houthi representatives from landing, forcing the plane to divert to Hodeidah. In retaliation, the Houthis later claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia.