WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned what he described as the “blatant attacks” on Saudi Arabia, calling them a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement shared on X, the prime minister said such actions had the potential to further undermine regional peace and stability.

The statement came after Yemen’s Houthi movement launched ballistic missiles and drones towards Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport, describing the attack as retaliation for air strikes on Sanaa International Airport. According to the Saudi-led coalition, Saudi air defence systems intercepted the incoming projectiles and no casualties or damage were reported.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz said Islamabad stood in complete solidarity with the “brotherly Kingdom” during the critical period and would continue supporting all sincere efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, security and mutual understanding across the region.

The escalation followed strikes on Sanaa International Airport earlier in the day. Houthi authorities said the airport’s runways had been targeted, while Yemen’s internationally recognised government claimed responsibility, saying the operation was intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing after Houthi authorities allegedly blocked a Yemeni passenger plane from using the airport.

According to media reports, officials in Aden accused the Iran-backed Houthis of insisting that an Iranian aircraft carrying a delegation returning from the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei be allowed to land. Yemeni authorities said the runway was struck after negotiations failed, while Houthi officials said the Iranian aircraft later diverted to Hudaydah.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree blamed Saudi Arabia for the strike on Sanaa airport, declaring that the informal de-escalation between the two sides had ended. He warned that the attack would “not go unanswered or unpunished” and urged airlines to avoid Saudi airspace until restrictions on Sanaa airport were lifted.

The exchange marked the most serious escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia since an informal truce took effect four years ago.

The renewed violence also prompted international concern. During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari called on all parties to avoid further escalation and return to UN-led negotiations. Britain condemned the Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia, while Iran denounced the strike on Sanaa airport as a violation of international law.

Meanwhile, Axios reported that US President Donald Trump had allegedly agreed to support Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince for possible military action against the Houthis. However, neither the White House nor Saudi authorities have officially confirmed the report.