The United States is to assist in defending Saudi Arabia against attacks on its territory.

This was according to a US State Department statement, released a day after an air attack targeting Riyadh was launched, allegedly, by the Houthis in Yemen.

Al Arabiya reports that Ned Price, a spokesperson for the US State Department, said, “The United States strongly condemns the latest attack on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We are gathering more information, but it appears to have been an attempt to target civilians.” He added, “Such attacks contravene international law and undermine all efforts to promote peace and stability.”

The Arab Coalition on Saturday had intercepted what appeared to be a missile or drone attack over Riyadh, reportedly launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthis did not claim responsibility for having launched a missile or a drone towards Riyadh on Saturday, nor is it normal for drones and missiles launched by the Houthis to reach Riyadh, which is roughly 700km from the Yemeni border.

Price said, “As we work to de-escalate tensions in the region through principled diplomacy…. we will also help our partner Saudi Arabia defend against attacks on its territory.”

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Riyadh issued a warning to Americans calling on them to “stay alert in case of additional future attacks”.

Umm Mohammed Umar