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Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan have rallied behind Saudi Arabia after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group allegedly launched a ballistic missile toward the Medina region, prompting fresh regional condemnation over attacks on the kingdom.
Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed the missile on Thursday before it could reach its target, according to the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition also shot down a Houthi drone over the kingdom’s Eastern Province.
The Houthis denied targeting Medina, calling the allegations a "blatant and grave falsehood" and insisting their operations target only Saudi oil facilities and military bases.
The region is also home to Yanbu, a Red Sea port that serves as the terminus of the kingdom’s East-West Pipeline, allowing Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry described the attempted strike as “a blatant provocation of Muslims, a reckless disregard for civilian lives,” accusing the Houthis of violating Saudi sovereignty and international law.
Doha reaffirmed its full solidarity with Riyadh and backed all legitimate measures taken by the kingdom to protect its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national interests.
Kuwait also condemned the attacks, with its Foreign Ministry calling them “a flagrant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, international law and international humanitarian law.”
The ministry reiterated Kuwait’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and its right to take measures to protect its territory, security and the lives of citizens and residents.
Bahrain highlighted the religious significance of the targeted region, warning that an attack on Medina would threaten civilians and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque while striking at the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.
Manama also urged the U.N. Security Council to take firm and deterrent action to stop repeated Houthi attacks, prevent strikes on religious sites and civilian infrastructure, and hold those responsible and their supporters accountable.
Jordan joined the condemnation, describing the attempted missile strike as a provocation to Muslims, a flagrant violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to the kingdom’s security and stability.
Amman reaffirmed its full solidarity with Riyadh and support for measures to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and the safety of its citizens and residents.
In September, the Saudi-led coalition accused the Yemeni group of carrying out a drone strike on the Taibah electricity distribution station in Medina, which supplies power to the Prophet's Mosque. The Houthis denied the allegation.
Medina, Islam's second-holiest city after Mecca, is home to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, where Prophet Muhammad is buried. The city became the first capital of the Muslim community following the Prophet's migration from Mecca in 622.
The incident comes amid escalating cross-border attacks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Yemen has been mired in civil war since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and other areas in September 2014. A Saudi-led Arab coalition has supported Yemen's internationally recognized government since March 2015.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory.
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