RIYADH — Saudi Arabia strongly condemned attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on civilian and economic sites in the Kingdom's southern regions, which injured 73 civilians, including women and children. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom condemned the militia’s targeting of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran as well as the continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea and its restriction of freedom of international maritime navigation. Saudi Arabia reiterated its categorical rejection of the militia’s hostile approach and criminal conduct, saying it threatens the security and stability of Yemen and its Arab and Islamic surroundings and reflects its continued rejection of peace efforts. The Kingdom affirmed its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and national capabilities and protect the security and safety of its citizens and residents, stressing that it would not tolerate any attack targeting its territory or capabilities, in accordance with international law. In a separate statement, Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki described the Houthis’ continued attacks against the Kingdom, its national capabilities, citizens and residents as a “dangerous escalation.” Al-Maliki said the attacks constituted a blatant violation of Saudi sovereignty and a direct threat to the security and safety of its citizens and residents, while accusing the militia of deliberately escalating its attacks against the Kingdom’s national capabilities, facilities and civilian objects. He said the Coalition’s Joint Forces Command would take all necessary operational measures to deter the Houthi militia, firmly confront its hostile approach, respond to the sources of the threat and neutralize their danger. The Kingdom also warned of the consequences of continued Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian facilities, calling for an immediate end to all forms of escalation and threats to maritime security. Saudi Arabia urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 2216 (2015) and 2722 (2024).