RIYADH: Arab countries have condemned attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and the Shaybah oilfield, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and warning of risks to civilians and regional security.
According to Arab News, the attacks on Wednesday, October 21, killed four people and injured 10. The victims included one Saudi citizen and three foreign residents. Civilian and economic facilities also sustained damage.
The UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt issued statements denouncing the attacks and supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect its territory, citizens and residents.
Bahrain Calls for International Action
Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to respond to the repeated targeting of Saudi airport infrastructure and hold those responsible accountable.
The ministry warned that attacks on airports and energy facilities posed a wider threat to global energy security. It called for action through the United Nations Security Council to address the escalation.
Bahrain’s condemnation covered both the airport and oilfield incidents, which caused fatalities, injuries and damage to the targeted facilities.
Qatar Raises Concerns Over Civilian Aviation
Qatar condemned the attack on King Fahd International Airport, describing it as a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to civilian safety and air navigation.
Its Foreign Ministry reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia’s legitimate measures to safeguard its security, territorial integrity and interests. Doha also emphasised the connection between Saudi airport security and the collective security of Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The statement placed particular emphasis on the dangers of targeting infrastructure used by civilian passengers and airport personnel.
UAE, Egypt and Jordan Express Solidarity
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry said the airport attack threatened Saudi Arabia’s security and stability. It condemned the incident and reaffirmed its support for the Kingdom.
Egypt also denounced the targeting of civilian facilities and air traffic, warning that such attacks could intensify regional tensions. Cairo reiterated its position that Saudi security forms part of both Egyptian and wider Arab national security.
Jordan condemned the airport attack and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the deaths and injuries. Its response supported the Kingdom’s efforts to protect people and national infrastructure.
Muslim World League Condemns Targeting of Civilians
The Muslim World League joined the regional condemnation, rejecting the attacks on the airport and the Shaybah facility.
Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Issa said targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure violated religious principles and international humanitarian law. He reaffirmed the organisation’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures to protect citizens and residents.
The regional responses centred on protecting civilian lives, safeguarding essential infrastructure and preventing further escalation.
