A civilian airport in Riyadh turned into a site of devastation as a Houthi militia attack claimed 12 lives and left hundreds injured, prompting swift and strong condemnation from Islamabad. According to Geo News, the strike on King Khalid International Airport on Saturday resulted in casualties among multiple nationalities, including citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt, as reported by Saudi authorities.

According to Geo News, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong condemnation of the attack, describing it as a heinous act that targeted civilians and critical infrastructure. The prime minister extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the 309 injured individuals, emphasizing that such acts violate international law and threaten regional peace.

In a separate statement reported by Geo News, the Foreign Office (FO) also condemned the assault, calling the targeting of a civilian airport a flagrant violation of international law. The FO stated that the ongoing aggression by the Houthi militia is completely unacceptable and requires unequivocal condemnation from the international community.

Background

According to Geo News, the Houthi militia's attack on Riyadh's international airport is part of an escalating campaign against the kingdom. The incident resulted in 12 deaths, comprising four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, and one person each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt, as stated by the Saudi civil aviation authority.

Why it matters

According to Geo News, Pakistan's leadership responded by invoking bilateral frameworks and historic ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Foreign Office both cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and decisions from its Strategic, Political and Defence Committee to reiterate Pakistan's unshakeable commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Saudi Arabia, while affirming support for the kingdom's right to defend its territory.