Saudi Arabia says its security ‘cannot be compromised’

Saudi Arabia said Tuesday that its security, territorial integrity and capabilities are “a firm principle that cannot be compromised,” stressing that its right to defend itself and protect its sovereignty is “established.”

The statement came at the end of a Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the official news agency SPA.

The Cabinet condemned the continued “sinful and deliberate attacks by the terrorist Houthi militia” on civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom.

“The security of Saudi Arabia, the safety of its territory and its resources are a firm principle that cannot be compromised,” it said.

The Cabinet also stressed that the kingdom’s legitimate right to defend itself and protect its sovereignty, citizens, residents and vital interests comes in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

The statement came amid an escalation in Houthi attacks from Yemen on Saudi Arabia.

Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, said Tuesday that 13 civilians were injured in Houthi attacks targeting Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif in the country’s southwest.

In recent days, the Houthis extended their control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including Mayyun Island in the Bab el-Mandab Strait.

​​​​​​​Yemen has been gripped by war since the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and several provinces in September 2014, prompting a Saudi-led Arab coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government.