Pakistan has strongly condemned an attempted Houthi attack on a Saudi Aramco administrative building in Riyadh, saying the targeting of civilian facilities shows a reckless disregard for human life and regional security. The Foreign Office issued its statement on Monday, a day after Saudi authorities reported the attempted attack. No casualties were reported, and Saudi authorities said falling shrapnel caused minor damage.
Aramco is the state-owned Saudi oil company, and its administrative building in the capital's financial district was the target. The incident was reported as an attempt rather than a successful strike, which is why the damage was described as minor.
What Islamabad said
The Foreign Office said Pakistan demands that the Houthis immediately and unconditionally stop all attacks against Saudi Arabia. It described the attack as unjustifiable and unprovoked aggression, and it commended the vigilance and swift response of Saudi authorities.
Pakistan said it stands firmly with the leadership and people of the kingdom. It also reaffirmed full support for all measures needed to protect Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement said the security of Saudi Arabia is of paramount importance to Pakistan.
The Saudi account and the Houthi claim
Saudi authorities did not initially attribute the incident to the Houthis. The Yemen-based group, which is described as Iran-backed, nonetheless claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attack came amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Other reporting describes a wider push by the group against Saudi airports, ports and energy facilities. Those details were not part of Pakistan's statement.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan ne Riyadh mein Saudi Aramco ki ek administrative building par Houthi hamle ki koshish ki sakht mazammat ki hai. Foreign Office ke mutabiq is mein koi jani nuqsan nahi hua, aur Houthiyon se tamam hamle foran band karne ka mutalba kiya gaya hai. Abhi tak Pakistan ke aam shehri ke liye iska seedha asar nazar nahi aata. Lekin Gulf mein kashiedgi barhti hai to tel ki qeematon aur Gulf mein kaam karne walon ki kamai par asar ho sakta hai.
