OIC Condemns Houthi Red Sea Attacks, Calls for International Action

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a strong condemnation of recent Houthi attacks targeting Saudi commercial ships in the Red Sea, labeling them a grave threat to international navigation security. In a statement released on Saturday, the Jeddah-based organization urged the international community to take decisive action against the aggressions perpetrated by what it described as "rogue terrorist militias." The OIC emphasized that these "brutal attacks" constitute a blatant violation of regional and international maritime security and safety, negatively impacting the delivery of global food and energy supplies. The organization, comprising 57 Muslim-majority nations, asserted that the Houthi aggression poses a real threat to international peace and security and is a clear breach of international law principles. The OIC declared its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to protect its security and interests. This condemnation follows the Houthi group's claims of conducting military operations targeting Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu, in retaliation for alleged strikes on Hodeidah and Kamaran Island. The Houthis asserted that their operations were successful and that a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia remains in effect. Earlier on Saturday, Saudi Civil Defense issued warning alerts in Jazan and Yanbu following airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition on Houthi targets in Hodeidah province. The coalition spokesperson, Turki Al-Malki, described the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels as "cowardly and reckless," characterizing them as maritime terrorism in a critical international waterway. He stated that the coalition had responded decisively, prioritizing the preservation of Yemeni people's assets, and affirmed that joint forces would continue to take necessary measures to protect Saudi ships and interests, responding to any hostile acts without leniency.