The Saudi government blamed Iran over the Houthi Yaman ballistic missile (missile) attack on the Riyadh region. The Saudis considered the events on Saturday as a blatant Iranian aggression and an act of war against the Kingdom.
Ballistic missiles fired from Yemen are targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The weapon was successfully shot down Saudi Air Force troops and did not cause major damage or casualties.
In a statement on Monday (6/11/2017), the Saudi government blamed the attack on Iran's "accomplices". According to the statement, the attack will not happen if Iran does not support Houthi rebels in Yemen.
"The role of Iran and its direct command of the Houthi proxy in this respect is a clear act of aggression targeting neighboring countries, and threatening peace and security in the region and globally," the government statement was quoted as saying by the AP.
"Therefore, the coalition's command considers this blatant act of military aggression by the Iranian regime, and can be regarded as an act of war against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the government statement continued. "Saudi Arabia is entitled to respond to Iran in a timely manner and manner."
The Gulf-led military coalition led by Saudi Arabia also announced it had closed all land border crossings, seaports and airports in Yemen in response to the launch of the missile.
The coalition has battled the Houthi rebels who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa in early 2015. Riyadh itself is in favor of Yemen's President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who nearly ousted Houthi.
Ballistic missiles fired from Yemen are targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The weapon was successfully shot down Saudi Air Force troops and did not cause major damage or casualties.
In a statement on Monday (6/11/2017), the Saudi government blamed the attack on Iran's "accomplices". According to the statement, the attack will not happen if Iran does not support Houthi rebels in Yemen.
"The role of Iran and its direct command of the Houthi proxy in this respect is a clear act of aggression targeting neighboring countries, and threatening peace and security in the region and globally," the government statement was quoted as saying by the AP.
"Therefore, the coalition's command considers this blatant act of military aggression by the Iranian regime, and can be regarded as an act of war against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the government statement continued. "Saudi Arabia is entitled to respond to Iran in a timely manner and manner."
The Gulf-led military coalition led by Saudi Arabia also announced it had closed all land border crossings, seaports and airports in Yemen in response to the launch of the missile.
The coalition has battled the Houthi rebels who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa in early 2015. Riyadh itself is in favor of Yemen's President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who nearly ousted Houthi.