Saudi Cabinet says Houthi attacks 'target the global economy'

Statement comes after the White House said the rise in incidents was alarming

Houthi rebel attacks on residential neighbourhoods and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia are an attack on the global economy, Saudi Arabia's Cabinet said on Tuesday night.

The Iran-backed Yemeni group launched drones and missiles at the heart of the Saudi oil industry on Sunday, including a Saudi Aramco facility at Ras Tanura vital to petroleum exports.

Riyadh said there were no casualties or loss of property in the attacks.

The incidents came amid a surge  in drone and missile attacks being launched at the kingdom by the Yemen rebels.

In the US, the White House described the escalation as  alarming.

The Saudi Arabian Cabinet described the attacks as "terrorist attempts" in breach of international law.

Saudi Arabia  responded with measures to protect its national assets, "in a way that preserves global energy security and stops terrorist attacks", state-run SPA press agency said.

The measures aimed to ensure "the stability of energy supplies, the security of petroleum exports, and the security of maritime traffic and global trade", it reported.

The Cabinet also noted a message carried by the kingdom's permanent delegation to the UN Security Council, which asked the international community to assume its responsibility regarding the hostilities by the Iran-aligned Houthis and to hold those responsible accountable.

Saudi Arabia's UN ambassador, Abdulaziz Al Wasil, told the Security Council that Iran was ultimately responsible for the recent increase in attacks and that the world needs to take action.

"This policy pursued by Iran is not only a violation of international laws, but it also exposes the region to danger, destruction, wars and conflicts," Mr Al Wasil said on Tuesday.

The recent attacks are being linked to the fierce fighting in Yemen's Marib province, where pro-government tribal fighters are trying to hold the line against a major Houthi assault.

The Saudi-led coalition has carried out dozens of air strikes to support pro-government forces.

Coalition spokesman Brig Gen Turki Al Malki said on Tuesday that its forces will continue to support the Yemeni army in the battle, despite the attacks on the kingdom.

The air support helped Yemeni forces take back several key positions in north-west Marib on Monday.

Brig Gen Malki travelled to Yemen's Marib on Tuesday where he met the Governor of the internationally recognised government's last northern stronghold.

Also on Tuesday, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force Lt Gen Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz met with US Air Forces Central Commander Lt Gen Gregory Guillot.

Attacks on Saudi Arabia – in pictures 

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  Civil defence personnel surround a crater in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jazan, after a projectile was fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen. SPA via AP

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  A damaged shop in Jazan, south-west Saudi Arabia, after a projectile fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen hit the area. SPA via AP

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  Damage to a home in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, caused by debris from a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels. SPA via AP

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  The remnants of a missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels, on a house rooftop in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. SPA via AP

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  Houthi supporters protest against the US administration and the Saudi-led coalition, in Yemen's capital Sanaa. EPA

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  A fighter loyal to Yemen's Houthi rebels at the funeral of rebels killed in clashes with government troops. AFP

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  Fighters loyal to Yemen's Houthi rebels chant slogans as they travel to the funeral of rebels killed in fighting with government troops. AFP

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  Tribesmen loyal to the Houthi rebels brandish rocket-propelled grenade launchers at a gathering in Yemen's capital Sanaa. AFP