Saudi King Salman condemns Houthi attacks on Mecca

Saudi Arabia’s monarch issued an unusually forceful condemnation on Tuesday of the escalating attacks launched from Yemen, signaling heightened concern within the kingdom as the frequency and intensity of Houthi missile and drone strikes have surged in recent weeks. The statement, delivered by King Salman in a televised address, denounced the assaults as “unjustified aggression” and warned that they threaten regional stability, while reaffirming Riyadh’s commitment to defending its territory and protecting civilian lives.

The remarks come amid a marked uptick in cross‑border hostilities, with the Houthi movement claiming responsibility for multiple strikes on Saudi oil facilities, military installations and civilian infrastructure since early August. Saudi defense officials reported that the latest wave of attacks prompted the activation of air‑defense systems and the deployment of additional forces to the southern border. International partners, including the United States and United Kingdom, have voiced support for Saudi counter‑measures and called for an immediate de‑escalation. The monarch’s condemnation underscores the kingdom’s urgency to address the growing security threat and to seek broader diplomatic efforts to halt the violence.