FREETOWN – The Government of Sierra Leone has strongly condemned what it described as repeated attacks by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian areas and critical energy infrastructure.
In a Press Release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday, 10th October, the Government said it stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Saudi Arabia and extends sympathies to all those affected.
“The targeting of oil and energy facilities, civilian infrastructure, airports and other critical installations constitutes a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” the statement said.
The condemnation comes amid a sharp escalation in the Yemen conflict in the past week. Since early October, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed a series of ballistic missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports and Aramco oil facilities.
On 8th October, the Houthis claimed a missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Videos showed smoke and flames at the airport, and Reuters reported that a parked Saudia Airlines commercial aircraft caught fire after being hit by shrapnel from an interception. Saudi authorities said three civilians were killed and several others injured in attacks on Riyadh and southern airports including Abha, Jizan and Najran.
International airlines including Lufthansa, Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to Riyadh this week due to the security situation.
The Sierra Leone Government warned that such actions risk disrupting international energy supplies, commercial activity and freedom of navigation along vital maritime routes linking the Red Sea, the Gulf region and the wider global economy.
“Sierra Leone reaffirms its firm commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” the release added, stressing that civilian populations must be protected under international humanitarian law.
The Government called on the Houthis to immediately cease attacks, refrain from further escalation and respect international law, and urged all parties in the Yemen conflict to exercise maximum restraint and pursue dialogue.
Why This Matters For Sierra Leone
This statement is significant as Sierra Leone currently serves as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2024-2025/26), where it has consistently advocated for multilateralism, protection of civilians, and security of commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab strait – a waterway critical for global trade.
Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia have maintained cordial bilateral relations, with Saudi support for development projects in Sierra Leone through the Saudi Fund for Development and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. Many Sierra Leonean pilgrims also travel to Saudi Arabia annually for Hajj and Umrah.
The Foreign Ministry said Sierra Leone supports the efforts of the United Nations and its Special Envoy for Yemen toward a comprehensive, inclusive, Yemen-led and Yemen-owned political settlement, and is ready to support de-escalation efforts within the UN framework.
