NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia affirmed that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its land and maintain the safety of its citizens and residents, in accordance with its obligations under international law.

This statement came in a message sent by Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, to the Security Council, after the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militia targeted Abha International Airport.

Al-Mouallimi said: “Based on my government’s instructions, I am writing once again about the continuation of the Iran-backed Houthi militia’s military hostilities against Saudi Arabia, in a blatant violation of international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

“Abha International Airport was targeted on Feb. 10. That attack by the Houthi terrorist militias set a passenger plane on fire,” he added.

He stressed that terrorist acts that targets the civilian infrastructure of the Kingdom and threatens innocent civilian travellers is a war crime, and that the Houthis must be held accountable in accordance with international humanitarian law.

He noted: “The Kingdom is taking all the necessary measures to safeguard its land and maintain the safety of its citizens and residents in accordance with its obligations under international law.

“Such terrorist acts by the Houthis continue to undermine the UN’s efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen and will lead to destabilizing regional security and disrupting international peace,” he added.

He called on the Security Council to strongly condemn these acts and take its responsibility in order for the Iran-backed Houthi militia to stop its threat to international peace and security, and to hold it accountable.

He also called on the council to circulate his letter as one of the Security Council’s official documents.

SPA