US, UK condemn air attack on Riyadh which ‘targeted civilians’

The US and UK have condemned an attempted air attack on Riyadh on Saturday and expressed their strong support to the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia said it had “intercepted and destroyed a hostile air target going towards Riyadh” on Saturday. According to media reports, a loud explosion was heard over the central part of the city and white smoke was visible.

No details were given about who carried out the attack, although the kingdom has intercepted several missiles and armed drones launched by Yemen’s Houthis in recent months.

“We are gathering more information, but it appears to have been an attempt to target civilians,” the US State Department said on Sunday.

“Such attacks contravene international law and undermine all efforts to promote peace and stability. As we work to de-escalate tensions in the region through principled diplomacy, including by bringing an end to the war in Yemen, we will also help our partner Saudi Arabia defend against attacks on its territory and hold those who attempt to undermine stability to account,” the statement added.

The U.S. strongly condemns the latest attack in Saudi Arabia. Such attacks violate international law and undermine regional peace. As we work to reduce tensions, including by bringing an end to the war in Yemen, we will also help Saudi Arabia defend itself.https://t.co/BYCVv7oTQ7

— Ned Price (@statedeptspox) January 24, 2021

Meanwhile the UK also expressed solidarity with the kingdom.

“Yesterday’s attempted aerial attacks on Riyadh, which threatened loss of life, are deeply concerning. We strongly condemn these attacks, and we stand by our Saudi partners,” UK’s foreign secretary Dominic Raab said on Twitter.

Yesterday’s attempted aerial attacks on Riyadh, which threatened loss of life, are deeply concerning. We strongly condemn these attacks, and we stand by our Saudi partners

— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) January 24, 2021

Last week, three people were injured in Saudi’s Jazan province after a projectile launched by Houthi militia hit one of the border villages in Al-Arda governorate.

In November, a fuel tank at a petroleum products distribution station in Jeddah burst into flames, following an explosion caused by a projectile attack.

Read: Saudi oil facility hit by Houthi projectile attack

Also in November, several people were injured after an IED attack on a World War I commemoration ceremony in Jeddah.

Read more: Several people injured in bomb attack in Jeddah