The Nigerian government has strongly condemned a recent Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The attack resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians and injured over 300 people. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the incident is a dangerous escalation that violates Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and undermines efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
The attack occurred on Saturday and was claimed by the Ansar Allah, popularly known as Houthis, in Yemen. The group warned airlines and passengers against using Saudi airports and airspace. The projectile that struck the airport triggered a fire in one of its passenger halls, leaving people injured, according to Saudi authorities. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Nigeria expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and offering condolences to the families of those killed.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged all parties to respect international law and exercise restraint to prevent further escalation. The government also called on parties to avoid actions that could endanger civilians, damage civilian infrastructure, or threaten regional security. Nigeria stressed the need to respect Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity while protecting civilian lives and critical infrastructure in line with international law.
The Saudi-led coalition vowed to respond to the attack, calling it a "war crime." The coalition also reported that among the dead were four Saudi nationals, two people from Bangladesh, and one person each from the US, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt. The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that an Indian man had succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the attack.
The international community has reacted strongly to the attack, with US President Donald Trump saying the US would "make a decision" and "move very quickly" on whether to strike the Houthis. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting suggested that the UK could "potentially" provide more support for Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also condemned the attacks.
The Nigerian government commended the Saudi government for its emergency response to the attack and its efforts to protect the lives and security of its citizens. Nigeria reaffirmed its support for diplomatic initiatives and dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and restoring regional stability. The government expressed hope that the incident would not escalate into a wider conflict.
The attack on King Khalid International Airport is the deadliest single attack on a Gulf Arab country since the war between Israel, the US, and Iran began in February. The incident has raised concerns about the security of the region and the need for restraint from all parties involved. Nigeria's condemnation of the attack is a reflection of its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- The Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 12 civilians and injured over 300 people.
- The Nigerian government has expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and offered condolences to the families of those killed.
- The international community has reacted strongly to the attack, with several countries condemning the incident and offering support to Saudi Arabia.
