A total of 176 Islamic leaders, including ministers, scholars, and muftis from over 70 countries, have condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. They called for international action to protect civilians, vital facilities, and Islamic holy sites. The condemnation came in the form of messages and telegrams sent to Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Sheikh Abdul Latif bin Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh.
The signatories emphasized that the Houthi attacks, which target airports, civilian and vital facilities, pose a direct threat to the safety of civilians and violate human values, ethics, and international laws and norms. They warned of the consequences of continued attacks on regional security and stability. The attacks have resulted in significant damage and loss of life, with the most recent attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killing 13 people and injuring over 300.
The Islamic leaders stressed that the security of the two holy mosques and the safety of their pilgrims are not just Saudi concerns, but a matter of importance to Muslims worldwide. The holy cities of Mecca and Medina hold significant importance for Muslims, particularly pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of pilgrims and the potential disruption of Hajj and Umrah rituals.
The signatories denounced the targeting of airports, which they said could disrupt the travel plans of pilgrims and visitors, and pose a risk to the safety of civilians who are not involved in the conflicts. They expressed their support for the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its territory, sovereignty, and the security of its citizens and residents, and to safeguard Islamic holy sites and civilian facilities.
The Islamic leaders called on the international community and concerned organizations to take firm positions and actions to deter those responsible for the attacks, hold them accountable, and prevent further aggression. They also emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, religious sites, airports, and vital facilities. The international community has been urged to take a strong stance against the Houthi attacks.
The signatories praised Saudi Arabia's role in serving Islam and Muslims, and its care for the two holy mosques. They emphasized that protecting Saudi Arabia and maintaining its stability is of particular importance, given its responsibilities towards pilgrims and its efforts to facilitate the performance of Hajj and Umrah rituals in a safe environment.
The condemnation of the Houthi attacks comes after a series of attacks on vital facilities in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which was attacked on Saturday, resulting in 13 deaths and over 300 injuries. Another attack on the airport on Sunday resulted in one death and 11 injuries, according to Saudi authorities. The Houthi group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Key points
- The attacks have resulted in significant damage and loss of life.
- The Islamic leaders have called for international action to protect civilians and Islamic sites.
- The security of the two holy mosques is a matter of importance to Muslims worldwide.
