President Irfaan Ali has condemned the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying they have disrupted operations at Riyadh Airport and threatened the kingdom’s safety and security.
In a statement, Ali expressed Guyana’s solidarity with the Saudi government and people and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, restraint and a return to diplomacy.
“These acts of aggression have adversely affected operations at Riyadh Airport and threaten the safety, stability and security of the Kingdom,” he said.
Reuters has reported on the attacks and their impact on aviation. In a report updated on October 13, the news agency said Saudi authorities had extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport until Saturday following attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. Airlines cancelled services, with some suspending flights until later in October. Saudi aviation authorities said the closure would allow safety and operational-readiness procedures to be completed. [
A separate Reuters report said at least 18 people had been killed in strikes on Riyadh Airport and raised questions about the absence of public warnings before the attacks.
Ali’s statement did not identify those responsible or give casualty figures. He said Guyana deplored aggression that endangered lives, undermined the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and threatened regional and international peace.
“Such actions are counterproductive, deepen tensions and hostility, and take us further away from the goal of a peaceful and stable Middle East,” he stated.
The President urged dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
“There can be no lasting security in an environment of escalating aggression, nor any durable peace without a genuine willingness to resolve differences through peaceful means,” he said.
Reuters also reported on Monday that the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh. The agency said the Houthis had been attacking Saudi airports and oil facilities since the previous week amid an escalating regional conflict.
Ali urged all parties to uphold international law and prevent further escalation in the interest of regional stability and global security.
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