Egypt has issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, reiterating its full solidarity with the kingdom after Yemen’s Houthis claimed strikes on critical oil supply routes connecting to the Red Sea export hub of Yanbu.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Monday that the attacks represent a violation of Saudi security and stability and an escalation that undermines regional security. Cairo called for an immediate halt to all attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations, expressing full support for all measures taken by Riyadh to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement followed claims by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis on Monday that they targeted a number of sensitive crude oil supply and transport sites linking eastern Saudi Arabia to Yanbu. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the operation was conducted using drones in response to what he described as Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace.
Saudi state oil giant Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Saudi Arabia has been re-routing its crude output to Yanbu via its East-West pipeline to circumvent Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which began after the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran in February.
The latest strikes follow threats made by Houthi forces last week to extend disruptions to global oil supplies by announcing a blockade of Saudi Arabia’s oil industry in the Red Sea, driving global oil prices higher.
Saudi Arabia responded to the ongoing threats with airstrikes against what it stated were Houthi military facilities in Yemen’s Hodeidah port, maintaining that the coalition operations are intended to protect commercial shipping.
