Falling debris during the interception of a drone in Taif killed one person and injured two others, while Pakistan reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia’s security.
Pakistan army spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said his country’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security was unconditional. Chaudhry said Pakistan would make every effort necessary to defend the kingdom.
Commenting on Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia from Yemen, Chaudhry said Islamabad stood with Riyadh diplomatically and practically. He said the Pakistani people also supported the Saudi people and noted that Pakistan would continue defending Saudi Arabia against all forms of attack.
Pointing particularly to practical support, Chaudhry said every effort requested and needed by Saudi Arabia would be made. He said this support covered the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and the security of Saudi Arabia.
Islamabad emphasizes the path of negotiations
Chaudhry said Pakistan was in constant contact with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, adding that a serious and sincere effort was under way to resolve problems peacefully through negotiations.
Chaudhry reiterated that the commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security was unconditional. He said this commitment stemmed from the deep, historic and unbreakable ties between the two peoples and the political and military leaderships of the two countries.
One person killed in Taif drone incident
Saudi authorities said Thursday that one person was killed and two others were injured by debris that fell while a drone was being intercepted in the airspace over the city of Taif.
Two days before the incident, coalition forces supporting Yemen’s legitimate government announced that Saudi air defenses had thwarted an attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca with a drone.
Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia
On July 20, the Houthis announced that they had imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The group described the move as a response to the maritime and air blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has led the coalition supporting Yemen’s legitimate government since March 2015. The Houthis have controlled the capital, Sanaa, and parts of Yemen since September 2014.
The Houthis have carried out attacks targeting Saudi-owned ships as well as energy production facilities in the country. Civilians were injured and property damage was reported in these attacks.
