Maldivian gov't issues statement expressing support for Saudi Arabia
23 ޖުލައި 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:47The Maldivian government has expressed its full support for Saudi Arabia, condemning the allegations made against the Kingdom by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Reaffirming its steadfast alliance, the government commended Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to establish peace and provide humanitarian aid to Yemen, while assuring that the Maldives remains committed to standing in solidarity with the Kingdom.
A massive crowd has gathered at Al-Sabeen Square in Sana'a, Yemen, as Houthi supporters voice their condemnation of the ongoing military actions by the United States and Israel targeting Iran. | getty images
The Maldivian government has issued a statement expressing its support for Saudi Arabia following allegations made against the Kingdom by Houthi rebels.
The Government of the Maldives has expressed its full support for the statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which condemned the allegations and rhetoric from Houthi rebels accusing Saudi Arabia of besieging the brotherly people of Yemen.
The statement further noted that the Maldivian government recognizes Saudi Arabia's long-standing efforts to bring peace to Yemen and alleviate the suffering of its people, in coordination with the legitimate government of Yemen and in support of United Nations initiatives. Furthermore, it stated that the Maldives acknowledges the continuous support provided by Saudi Arabia to the people of Yemen through development assistance and humanitarian aid.
The statement reaffirmed the Maldives' unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia, further pledging full support for all ongoing efforts to establish peace, security, and stability in Yemen.
The Maldivian government issued this statement at a time of significantly heightened tensions between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.
In a statement released late Monday night, the Houthis demanded an immediate end to the "criminal" Saudi government's aggression and the ongoing blockade against Yemen. The statement further warned that Saudi Arabia must face the consequences if it fails to comply with these demands.
Furthermore, the Houthi government issued a statement asserting that the administration in Riyadh treats the Republic of Yemen as a territory under Saudi control and guardianship.
"If Saudi Arabia were truly sincere about Yemen's independence and sovereignty, they would have announced a complete withdrawal from the country. Instead, every time they permit vessels carrying food and medicine to dock at Yemeni ports, the criminal Saudi regime treats us with utter arrogance and condescension," the statement read.
The Houthi government's Foreign Ministry stated that the Yemeni people have not forgotten, and will never forget, the deaths of thousands of civilians—particularly women and children—killed during Saudi-led aggressions over the past 12 years.
Furthermore, it was stated that Saudi authorities must accept that the services and security enjoyed by King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh should also be extended to Sana'a International Airport in Yemen. It was also emphasized that the conditions at Yemen's Hodeidah port must be brought to par with those of the Saudi Red Sea port cities of Yanbu and Jizan.
The Houthi rebel group has claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking the first such incident since the group announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced on Wednesday that the group targeted two Saudi-flagged vessels, the "Ancella" and the "Laila," using missiles and drones. The spokesperson further stated that approximately 10 vessels have diverted their routes since the group officially declared a blockade this past Monday.
