RIYADH/ABU DHABI — More countries and organizations have joined the global condemnation of the Iran-backed Houthi militia for launching ballistic missile and armed drones targeting civilians and civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia and in the central Yemeni province of Marib. The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday strongly condemned the Houthi militias for attacking civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia and Yemen with ballistic missiles, as well as for its attacks on Marib, which hosts over two million displaced civilians who fled areas dominated by the militias, noting the attacks would worsen the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. In its statement, the UAE's foreign ministry expressed concerns over the continued refusal of the militias to support the efforts of Martin Griffiths, the UN secretary-general's envoy to Yemen, and the proposal for a permanent ceasefire in the country, which will enable the resumption of humanitarian and economic work and efforts to reach a political solution to the crisis. The UAE ministry's statement also pointed out that the ongoing attacks and threats highlight the nature of the dangers facing the region resulting from the Houthi coup and constitute evidence of the militias' attempts to undermine security and stability in the region. The UAE praised the efforts of Saudi Arabia to implement the Riyadh Agreement, which will help drive efforts aimed at ending the Yemeni crisis, most notably through the peace process supported by the UN and its envoy to Yemen. Pakistan has also strongly condemned recent missile and drone strikes by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia, calling them a violation of the Kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Pakistan commended how Saudi Arabia's successful defensive actions prevented the loss of many innocent civilian lives. It expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself against aggression. The statement added that Pakistan has consistently urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen to engage in a meaningful and peaceful dialogue to end the hostilities, in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2216. In this regard, we appreciate the positive step taken by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, when it unilaterally declared a ceasefire earlier this year. It is, however, regrettable that this step was not reciprocated positively. Pakistan expressed deep concern at the recent escalation of conflict in Yemen, as the city of Marib is threatened by the Houthi militias. Pakistan believes that if military conflict engulfs Marib, it will result in a serious humanitarian catastrophe. This will further compound the existing precarious humanitarian situation in the country that has already seen countless deaths and injuries, and millions displaced. The statement also said that Pakistan urges all parties to the conflict in Yemen, in particular the Houthis, to cease military actions, engage in a serious dialogue to end the conflict on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and respond positively to the proposals made by Martin Griffith, the UN's special envoy to Yemen. Meanwhile, the President of the Arab Parliament Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, has denounced the Houthi militia's launching of a number of ballistic missiles and bomb-laden drones towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and residential neighborhoods in Marib, Yemen, which were intercepted and destroyed by the forces of the Saudi-led coalition. Dr. Al-Sulami expressed the Arab Parliament's solidarity and stand with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to defend its lands and preserve its security and the safety of citizens and residents. He also expressed support for the legitimacy in Yemen and the Yemeni army in confronting these cowardly terrorist acts that target civilians and civilian installations in Marib.
