Saudi and Jordanian foreign ministers call for closer coordination after Houthi attacks

RIYADH — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called for closer coordination on regional tensions during a phone call on Saturday, Arab News reported.

According to Arab News, which cited the Saudi Press Agency, the two ministers discussed efforts to contain conflicts and reduce their regional and global effects. Arab News said the call took place against a wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthi group.

What the ministers said

Arab News reported that the ministers reaffirmed their countries' solidarity in facing threats to their security and stability. It said they stressed the need for continued consultations to protect regional security and the interests of their peoples.

The report did not quote either minister directly. It also did not say whether the two sides agreed any specific measures.

Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Arab News described the Houthis as an Iran-backed militia. It said the group had stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia, including missile and drone strikes aimed at civilian infrastructure and airports.

Earlier on Saturday, the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen intercepted and destroyed four drones, according to Arab News. The report said the drones were over Riyadh and the Kingdom's eastern and southern regions. It attributed the information to coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki.

Arab News did not report any damage or casualties from the attacks in its account of the call. It also did not include a response from the Houthis. Zenga News has not independently verified the details.

Background

According to Arab News, Jordan has repeatedly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia. The newspaper said Amman has described them as violations of Saudi sovereignty and international law.

Arab News also reported that Safadi had earlier this month reaffirmed Jordan's full solidarity with Riyadh. It said he also voiced support for measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its territory, citizens and residents.

The Saturday call was the latest contact between the two foreign ministers described in the Arab News report. The article did not say how often they had spoken in recent weeks.

The account relies on one source, Arab News, which in turn cites the Saudi Press Agency for the content of the call. No separate statement from the Jordanian side was included in the material reviewed.