China Condemns, Expresses ‘Serious Concern’ Over Houthi Attacks On Saudi Arabia

China has condemned recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group on Saudi Arabia’s airports and energy infrastructure, expressing concern over escalating hostilities between Riyadh and the Iran-backed group.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks on Monday during a regular press briefing, calling on the parties involved to avoid actions that could further heighten regional tensions.

“China condemns the attacks that caused heavy casualties and expresses serious concern over the intensification of the conflict,” Ning said.

“We call on relevant parties to avoid taking actions that escalate regional tensions, to resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and to achieve peace and stability in the region at an early date,” she added.

The condemnation followed a series of attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including a strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Sunday that reportedly killed one person and injured 11 others.

The incident came a day after another deadly attack claimed by the Houthis forced the suspension of operations at the airport.

The attacks represent a further escalation in the conflict involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which has long provided military support to Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its fight against the group.

The Houthis have intensified attacks on Riyadh’s airport, Saudi oil facilities and tankers operating in the Red Sea. Three people were also reportedly killed in an attack on the airport on Thursday.

According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation on Sunday 12 people were reportedly killed and 309 others injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, marking the third reported strike on the facility within a week.

The Saudi Gazette, an English-language newspaper, citing the civil aviation authority, reported that the attack occurred on Saturday, October 10.

Those reportedly killed included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one national each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

AFP