COMPILED BY SHAZIA SALEEM
Qatar has strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on civilian and economic sites in southern Saudi Arabia, with Doha reaffirming that the Kingdom’s security is closely tied to the wider security of the Gulf. The position was conveyed during a telephone conversation on September 9 between Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. According to the Saudi Press Agency, Sheikh Mohammed expressed Qatar’s condemnation of the attacks and discussed with Prince Faisal the latest regional developments.
The two ministers also reviewed diplomatic efforts aimed at containing tensions and protecting regional security and stability. The call followed a series of attacks targeting areas around Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. Saudi authorities said 73 civilians, including women and children, were injured. Operations at some energy facilities were also temporarily suspended following the attacks, underlining the potential economic consequences of the escalation. The Saudi-led coalition described the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and said measures would be taken to protect Saudi sovereignty, civilians and national assets.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry separately issued a strong condemnation, describing the attacks as a violation of Saudi sovereignty and international law. Doha also reaffirmed its “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and expressed support for measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. The Qatari statement stressed that Saudi security forms an integral part of the collective security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states, placing the attacks within the broader framework of Gulf regional security.
Qatar further called on the international community to adopt a firm position against such attacks and ensure implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions concerning Yemen and maritime security in the Red Sea. The latest escalation comes against a backdrop of renewed fighting in Yemen. The conflict between the Houthis and forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government has intensified in recent weeks, reviving concerns that the relative calm established after the 2022 UN-brokered truce could give way to a wider confrontation.
The Houthis control Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen. They declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July and have subsequently intensified attacks involving the Kingdom and vessels operating in the Red Sea, according to the account provided by Saudi and regional authorities. At the same time, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have opened offensives on several fronts against Houthi-held territory. For Doha, the response goes beyond a bilateral expression of support. Qatar’s message reflects the Gulf states’ broader concern that renewed attacks on civilian infrastructure, energy facilities and maritime routes could widen an already fragile regional security environment.
