On Saturday, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation strongly condemned the latest attacks launched on Friday evening by the Yemeni Houthi rebels on civilian targets and vital energy facilities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, the Ministry stressed Libyan absolute rejection of such heinous terrorist attacks and any cowardly act that undermines Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.
The Libyan government, headed by Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha, reiterated its full support of all measures taken by the Saudi government to preserve the Kingdom’s security and stability. This is an integral part of the national security of the Arab and Islamic nation.
The Iran-aligned Houthis said they launched attacks on Saudi energy facilities on Friday. The Saudi-led coalition said oil giant Aramco’s petroleum products distribution station in Jeddah was hit. This caused a fire in two storage tanks but no casualties.
Plumes of black smoke could be seen across Jeddah on Friday after the Houthi attack, a reminder of the Iran-backed group’s intent to destabilize international energy security. The militia, which seized the capital Sanaa in 2014 and continues to hold large parts of Yemen, has conducted regular attacks against civilian infrastructure in the Kingdom.
The Saudi-led coalition, which has been supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Houthis, intercepted numerous drones and missiles in the past.
An attack in Jeddah on March 19th caused a fire at an Aramco distribution centre. A day later, the coalition destroyed an explosive-laden boat near Hodeidah, thwarting an imminent attack on shipping in the vital international maritime route.
Previous attacks have also targeted airports in the Kingdom, causing harm to civilians.
In February, 12 civilians were injured by a drone attack targeting Abha airport. In October, 10 people were injured at King Abdulaziz Airport in the southern city of Jazan. Another 16 people were injured by falling shrapnel following an attack at the same airport last month.
The Houthi militia increased attacks against Saudi energy installations in recent weeks. This occurred as Iran seeks to revive a nuclear deal that would allow it to begin selling oil again amid increased international energy demand following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.