The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has issued a strong condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the Kingdom’s right to self-defense. This stance was articulated during the 168th GCC Ministerial Council meeting held in Bahrain, where regional security and cooperative strategies were at the forefront of discussions.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, highlighted the interconnected nature of security among GCC member states, underscoring that any threat to Saudi Arabia’s security is a threat to all GCC countries. Al Zayani criticized the Houthi attacks for targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, labeling these actions as violations of international law.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi echoed these sentiments, warning that ongoing assaults on vital infrastructure such as airports and energy facilities pose significant risks to regional stability. He called for international intervention to halt these attacks and ensure accountability for those responsible.
The meeting also addressed broader regional issues, including the escalating tensions in Yemen and threats to maritime navigation in strategic waterways like the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Strait of Hormuz. Albudaiwi condemned Iranian actions against GCC states, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The GCC ministers’ meeting was followed by the ninth Gulf-Russia Strategic Dialogue session, where discussions centered on enhancing cooperation and exchanging perspectives on pressing regional and international matters.