Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye Condemn Houthi Attacks on Riyadh Airport

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye have strongly condemned attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, calling them a “dangerous escalation that cannot ​be justified or accepted under any pretext”.

The four countries, known as the R4 Group, reaffirmed their support for Saudi Arabia and backed its efforts to respond to the attacks and prevent them from happening again.

The statement came after one person was killed and 11 others were injured in an attack on Riyadh’s international airport on Sunday, according to Saudi authorities. A day earlier, another strike claimed by the Houthis killed 13 people and injured more than 300.

In a joint statement, the four countries held the Houthi militia responsible for the attacks and their consequences for regional and international peace and security.

“The Group holds the Houthi militia fully accountable for the results of these attacks and any repercussions that come with it that threaten regional and international peace and security, and demands the immediate and unconditional halt of these attacks,” the statement said.

The group also reaffirmed its support for all “legitimate ⁠measures and steps” taken by Saudi Arabia to counter the attacks, address security threats and prevent further incidents.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a bilateral defence agreement, while Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed a joint defence pact in August 2026. Under the pact, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Last week, the countries agreed to implement their collective defence commitments and ensure the “rapid deployment” of forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia amid the Houthi attacks.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday that Ankara was assessing ways to support Saudi Arabia’s defence. However, he ruled out sending troops and taking part in offensive operations.

Turkiye has so far provided support to Saudi Arabia mainly through bilateral cooperation. The country’s parliament has not yet officially ratified the joint defence pact, which is expected to be submitted in the coming days.