OIC, Arab Parliament denounce Houthi threats, reaffirm support for Saudi Arabia

RIYADH — The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Parliament have condemned recent threats and accusations made by the Houthi group against Saudi Arabia, reaffirming their solidarity with the Kingdom and calling for the protection of maritime security in the Red Sea. In a statement issued on Tuesday, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha strongly condemned the Houthi group’s threats against Saudi Arabia, maritime navigation and the freedom of international trade. He called for the implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Yemen and the protection of navigation rights and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. He said the threats were part of a continuing pattern of attacks and baseless claims by the Houthis against the Kingdom, including recent missile attacks targeting southern Saudi Arabia and threats against maritime navigation. The Secretary-General stressed that the Houthi group’s military spokesperson’s accusations and threats were unacceptable and could not be justified in any form, warning that the continued threat to maritime navigation poses a danger to regional and international security. He reaffirmed the OIC’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures the Kingdom takes to safeguard its security and stability. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to contribute to peace, security and stability in Yemen, alongside the generous humanitarian and relief assistance, and development projects it has provided to ease the suffering of the Yemeni people. Similarily, the Arab Parliament — reiterating its full solidarity with the Kingdom — condemned statements made by the so-called military spokesperson for the Houthi terrorist militia accusing Saudi Arabia of imposing a blockade on the Yemeni people and a ban on maritime navigation. Speaker Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi rejected what he described as provocative and irresponsible remarks, saying they contradict Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts and ongoing support for the Yemeni people. He reaffirmed the Arab Parliament’s firm rejection of any offensive statements or threats targeting Saudi Arabia or undermining its sovereignty and national security, stressing that the Kingdom’s security is an integral part of Arab national security. Al Yamahi also called on the international community to take the necessary steps to implement the United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2722, in protecting the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and deter actions that threaten regional and international peace and security.