Blinken: We Won’t Stand by While Houthis Attack Saudi Arabia

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that his country will not stand idly by while the Houthis attack Saudi Arabia.

In a tweet, Blinken said, "Saudi Arabia is an important security partner. We won’t stand by while the Houthis attack Saudi Arabia. We remain committed to bolstering Saudi Arabia’s defenses and finding a political settlement to the conflict in Yemen."

[embed]https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1359683544109490178?s=20[/embed]

Blinken and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen.

They also tackled joint efforts to bolster Saudi defenses against attacks on the kingdom,  according to a statement issued by the US Department of State.

On Wednesday, the United States (US) condemned the Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport and blasted the Iran-backed militia for prolonging the war in Yemen.

“We condemn the Houthi attack today at the Abha International Airport, a Saudi Arabian civilian airport. The attack coincides with Special Envoy Lenderking’s first trip to the region,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at the White House.

Psaki was responding to a question from Al Arabiya, saying: “The Houthis, meanwhile, continually demonstrate a desire to prolong the war by attacking Saudi Arabia, including attacks on citizens.”

The Arab Coalition said on Wednesday a drone targeted Abha international airport, and a plane which was on the ground at the time caught fire. The Houthis later claimed the attack.