RIYADH — Saudi Arabia led the global condemnation of the terrorist attack at Yemen's Aden airport on Wednesday, targeting a plane carrying members of the newly formed Yemeni government headed by Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the foreign ministry said: "The government of Saudi Arabia condemns in the strongest terms the cowardly terrorist act that targeted Aden airport today, leaving a number of people dead and wounded. The attack coincided with the arrival of the plane carrying members of the new Yemeni government." "This treacherous act backed by the forces of evil is not directed only against the legitimate Yemeni government but against Yemeni people represented by all political factions who seek security, peace, stability and prosperity in the country at a time when forces of darkness stand in their way to stop them from achieving their goals," the statement read. "Saudi Arabia affirms its solidarity and stands by Yemen and its people as it has been since the first day. They are all confident that today's incident will only increase their determination and steadfastness in achieving their aspirations and restoring their legitimacy," the statement added. The foreign ministry on behalf of the government expressed sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Earlier in the day, the UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, condemned the attack on Aden airport, calling it an "unacceptable act of violence." In a statement posted on his official Twitter account, Griffiths said: "I strongly condemn the attack at Aden airport upon the Cabinet's arrival & the killing and injury of many innocent civilians. My sincere condolences and solidarity to all who lost loved ones." "I wish the Cabinet strength in facing the difficult tasks ahead. This unacceptable act of violence is a tragic reminder of the importance of bringing Yemen urgently back on the path towards peace." Meanwhile, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and others have also strongly denounced the terrorist attack. In a statement, Bahrain's foreign ministry expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and brotherly Yemeni people, wishing a speedy recovery to the ones injured. The ministry affirmed the solidarity of Bahrain with Yemen, stressing that this terrorist act reflects the clear determination of the terrorist Houthi militia to continue its attacks on civilian institutions and installations and destabilize security and stability in Yemen, as well as obstructing any political solution that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people for security, stability, and peace. The UAE foreign ministry said in a statement stressed that attempts to target the Riyadh Agreement, through attacking the newly formed Yemeni government, is a diabolic scheme aimed at undermining prospects of security and stability in Yemen and the region. The ministry reiterated the importance of confronting these subversive attempts with all vigilance and determination. The UAE ministry reaffirmed the UAE's strong condemnation of these terror attacks and its categorical rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilizing security and stability in contravention of all religious and humanitarian principles and values. The ministry stressed that the continuation of such attacks highlights the nature of the dangers facing the region as a result of the Houthi coup, and the efforts of these militias' to undermine security and stability in the region. It further emphasized the determination of the Arab Coalition under the leadership of Saudi Arabia to stand by the Yemeni people and contribute to their stability and security. Jordanian foreign ministry condemned the terror attack. In a press statement, the ministry's spokesperson Dhaifallah Fayez affirmed Jordan's strong condemnation and denouncement of this cowardly terror attack, its rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, aimed at destabilizing Yemen's security and stability. The Jordanian ministry also blasted attempts to impede efforts targeting to stop deterioration in Yemen, end the conflict, achieve peace, and meet aspirations of the Yemeni people for growth and prosperity, the statement added. Fayez expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims' families and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured.
