[21/07/2026 02:27]

RIYADH-SABA

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly rejected allegations made by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the Kingdom's role in supporting Yemen while condemning continued threats to international shipping and maritime security.

In a statement, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi denounced remarks by the Houthi militia's military spokesman, saying the accusations against Saudi Arabia were baseless and represented an attempt to distort the facts and evade responsibility for the militia's actions, which he said have deepened the suffering of the Yemeni people and undermined regional security and stability.

Al-Budaiwi said the Houthi statements do not alter the reality of Saudi Arabia's sustained efforts to support Yemen, advance peace and stability, promote a political settlement, and provide humanitarian and relief assistance to the Yemeni people.

He stressed that freedom of navigation and the security of international shipping lanes are fundamental to regional and global stability, warning that attacks or threats targeting international maritime routes constitute clear violations of international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The GCC chief called on the international community to take a firm stance against the false Houthi claims and continued threats to maritime navigation, urging stronger efforts to implement UN Security Council resolutions to safeguard international shipping lanes and prevent actions that jeopardize the security of global sea routes.

Al-Budaiwi also reaffirmed the GCC's unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and backed all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security, sovereignty, and national interests.

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