Kuwait condemns Houthi maritime threats, backs Saudi Arabia

Kuwait City: Kuwait on Tuesday condemned Yemen’s Houthi group over its threats against Saudi shipping and reaffirmed its full support for Riyadh, stressing that freedom of navigation must be protected under international law.

In a statement, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected what it called the Houthi group’s “false allegations” against Riyadh and denounced threats to the “freedom and security of maritime navigation.”

The ministry called on the international community to ensure the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 on protecting navigation in the Red Sea, Xinhua News Agency reported.

It also reaffirmed Kuwait’s “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia, saying it supports all measures the kingdom takes to safeguard its security and sovereignty.

The statement came a day after the Houthi group announced a maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping, accusing Riyadh of bombing Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport last week.

Saudi-led coalition vowed “necessary and decisive” measures to protect commercial shipping transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning of a firm response to any Houthi threats.

A senior Houthi official warned on Sunday that Saudi Arabia’s “valuable targets” are within range of the group’s forces, and that the Houthis are prepared to “pay the highest price” to end what it calls a blockade imposed on Yemen.

Abdullah Al-Naami, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, told Lebanon-based broadcaster Al Mayadeen that Sanaa International Airport would receive flights “from all countries,” and cautioned that any Saudi attempt to prevent flights to or from the airport would trigger “a comprehensive response.”

Al-Naami also warned that if the United States joined Saudi Arabia in military action against Yemen, Washington would “find itself in a predicament.”

The remarks came amid renewed tensions over the Sanaa airport. Last week, Yemen’s internationally recognised government struck the runway at the airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft carrying a senior Houthi delegation from landing, forcing it to divert to Hodeidah. The Houthis later claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport.

IANS