Türk appalled by attacks on airports Saudi Arabia, calls on all parties to spare civilians

GENEVA - I am appalled by the repeated attacks over the past few days by the Houthis on airports in Saudi Arabia, which have killed and injured dozens of Saudis and foreign nationals, notably yesterday’s horrific attack on Riyadh’s main airport.

Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law. These attacks and other alleged violations by all parties to this conflict must be investigated, and those found responsible held to account.

The disastrous toll of this conflict on civilians, both in Yemen and in Saudi Arabia, is a reminder to all parties that continued fighting will only unleash further misery with no end in sight. In addition to the duty to respect the principles of distinction and proportionality, all parties have the obligation, under international humanitarian law, to take constant care to spare civilians. I urge them to de-escalate and avert further catastrophe.