UAE Calls for Joint Gulf Defence Amid Houthi Attacks
UAE Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash urges renewed Gulf security cooperation following lethal Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
UAE Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash has issued a powerful call to revive joint Gulf security and defence actions, emphasizing that the security of the region is indivisible following a series of escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The plea for a strengthened collective security framework comes in the wake of a devastating strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The death toll from the October 10 incident has risen to 13, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirming that an Indian national has succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.
Security is Indivisible, Says Gargash
In a significant statement shared via X, Gargash highlighted that the recent aggression against the Arab Gulf states stems from a "misguided assessment" by aggressors regarding the region's strength. He warned that targeting Saudi Arabia is a direct threat to the stability of the entire region.
"For targeting the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undermines the security of the UAE and all Gulf states," Gargash stated. He noted that the dimension of collective security has suffered from "grave neglect," an oversight that has emboldened external actors to overreach.
The adviser stressed that Gulf security is a shared responsibility that allows for no leniency or delay in action.
Escalating Violence at Saudi Airports
The urgency of Gargash's call is underscored by the recent surge in violence targeting critical infrastructure. The October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport resulted in 13 fatalities and left 309 people injured, according to official reports. This follows a series of earlier strikes on October 6 and 7 targeting both King Khalid and Abha International Airports, which caused multiple deaths and injuries.
The intensity of the strikes has forced authorities to temporarily suspend airport operations to conduct safety inspections and assess damage. The violence has effectively turned parts of the Saudi capital—located over 500 miles from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen—into a potential battle zone.
Missile Shortages and Houthi Warnings
As the attacks intensify, reports have surfaced regarding the strain on Saudi Arabia's defensive capabilities. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabia is facing a shortage of interceptor missiles required to defend against the increasing frequency of Houthi strikes.
Adding to the tension, Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree has issued a formal warning to the international community. Through a statement on Telegram, the group warned international airlines, businesses, and travelers to avoid Saudi airports, claiming they are unsafe, with the exception of the airspace surrounding the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.