Pakistan Warns Houthis as Saudi Arabia Strikes Four Yemeni Provinces

Pakistan has issued a warning to Yemen's Houthi movement following their recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing the matter. The warning comes as the Saudi Air Force reportedly conducted strikes on four provinces in Yemen in retaliation.

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched counterattacks against Houthi rebels, according to available reports. The move follows a vow by the Yemeni government to recapture the capital, Sana'a, from Houthi control.

Following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Yemeni government forces have announced their intention to recapture the capital, Sana'a.

Yemeni Deputy Minister of Defense, Major General Samir Al-Sabri, confirmed the decision as fighting reportedly intensified between government forces and Houthi fighters in the Al-Bayda and Al-Jawf provinces. The Saudi-led coalition has also vowed a harsh response to the recent drone and missile attacks, which targeted civilian and economic facilities in southern Saudi Arabia.

In a formal statement on Tuesday, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks against civilian and economic targets in Saudi Arabia. The ministry termed the attacks a “flagrant violation” of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement warned that such acts pose a threat to regional peace and stability and undermine efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen. Islamabad reiterated its full support for Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to self-defence under the UN Charter and international law, and expressed solidarity with the Kingdom's leadership and people.

Fresh Houthi strikes targeting civilian and energy installations in Saudi Arabia have reportedly injured 73 civilians, prompting renewed condemnation from Pakistan. The attacks targeted the areas of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan, and Najran.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the attacks as “cowardly” and a threat to regional peace and security. In a statement, he reiterated Pakistan's strong support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.

The Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the attacks. A military spokesperson for the group, Yahya Saree, stated that dozens of drones and ballistic missiles were launched against Saudi economic and military targets. He claimed the operation was a response to more than 120 Saudi strikes on Yemen over the previous three days.

Saudi authorities have confirmed that the Houthi attacks caused injuries. The targeting of economic and energy infrastructure has raised concerns about potential impacts on regional stability and global energy markets.