Egypt condemns Houthi missile strikes on Saudi airport, affirms support for Yemeni government

Egypt has condemned missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia after Houthi rebels in Yemen targeted Abha International Airport, expressing full solidarity with Riyadh amid a dangerous regional escalation.

The Houthis said they launched the strikes on Monday in response to airstrikes they blamed on Saudi Arabia that struck Sanaa International Airport earlier in the day. While no casualties were reported, the attacks marked an escalation not seen since a Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi-controlled areas several years ago.

Saudi Arabian officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the airstrikes in Yemen.

In a video statement on Telegram, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree warned airlines against flying through Saudi airspace, saying these warnings should be taken “seriously until the blockade on Sanaa International Airport is lifted.”

In response to the strikes, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday condemning the targeting of Saudi Arabia “in the strongest terms.” The ministry warned that the actions threaten the kingdom’s security and territorial integrity while undermining efforts to reduce tension and maintain regional stability. Cairo reaffirmed its complete rejection of all attacks targeting Saudi sovereignty and reiterated its firm stance alongside the kingdom.

Concurrently, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty discussed developments in Yemen during a phone call with Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani.

During the consultations, Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s steadfast position supporting Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity. He reiterated Cairo’s commitment to backing the country’s national institutions and legitimate government, in accordance with relevant international resolutions, to help achieve security, stability, and the aspirations of the Yemeni people.