Kenya has condemned escalating missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and warning that attacks on civilians, infrastructure and sacred places threaten regional stability.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Nairobi said it was concerned about attacks directed at Saudi infrastructure, civilian areas and places of worship.
“The government condemns the escalating missile and drone attacks directed against the infrastructure facilities, civilian and sacred places in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and calls for the immediate cessation of the growing hostilities,” the ministry said.
Kenya said attacks targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure and places of worship were contrary to international humanitarian law and posed a threat to the stability and security of Saudi Arabia.
The statement comes amid heightened fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, with recent attacks raising concerns over the safety of civilians and critical infrastructure in the region.
Nairobi also raised concern over threats to maritime trade in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, saying disruptions to freedom of navigation could have wider consequences for regional and global economic stability and energy security.
“Kenya calls for full respect for international law and the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions concerning Yemen and the Houthis, including the obligations relating to arms embargo,” the ministry said.
The government called for unimpeded maritime waterways and an end to attacks against merchant and commercial vessels.
“Kenya remains committed to working with the international community to safeguard maritime security, protect legitimate trade, and promote international peace and stability,” it said.
The warning comes as attacks and disruptions around major maritime and energy routes in the region continue to raise concerns over global trade and energy supplies.
Recent attacks have affected Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping routes, adding pressure to already disrupted regional energy flows.
Kenya also reaffirmed its position that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states are protected under the United Nations Charter.
The government said it stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia in protecting its people, the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom, including Kenyan citizens.
Kenya also said it remained concerned about the safety of its nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia.
“Kenya therefore stands in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the protection of its people, of the Two Holy Mosques and of the pilgrims who travel there, among them Kenyan citizens,” the ministry said.
Nairobi called on all parties to exercise restraint and de-escalate the conflict.
It further reiterated its support for a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement under United Nations auspices, describing such a process as the path to a durable peace.
“Kenya reaffirms its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen,” the statement said.
The government said it remained committed to strengthening Kenya’s longstanding relations and bonds of friendship and cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
