The Maldives has strongly condemned the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which killed 12 people and injured 309 others, reaffirming its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldivian government denounced the attack, which Saudi authorities have blamed on Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement, describing the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure as a serious violation of international law.
The government said such attacks threaten not only the safety of people in Saudi Arabia but also peace and stability across the wider Middle East.
The condemnation follows Saturday’s missile strike on King Khalid International Airport, one of Saudi Arabia’s main aviation hubs, in what has been described as the deadliest attack in the kingdom in more than a decade.
According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, 12 people were killed and 309 others injured in the attack, with several of the wounded remaining in critical condition.
Among those killed were four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshi citizens and one national each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.
The attack forced authorities to temporarily suspend operations at the airport, disrupting flights and prompting emergency services to transport casualties to hospitals across Riyadh.
The Maldives extended its condolences to the Saudi government and people, particularly the families of those who lost their lives.
The Foreign Ministry also conveyed wishes for a speedy recovery to everyone injured in the incident.
Reaffirming the close relationship between the two countries, the government pledged its support for measures undertaken by Saudi Arabia to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of citizens and residents.
The Maldives said it would continue standing alongside Saudi Arabia in its efforts to safeguard national security and maintain stability.
Saturday’s incident was the third attack targeting King Khalid International Airport within a week, amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between the Houthis and forces backed by Saudi Arabia in neighbouring Yemen.
Earlier attacks on the airport had already caused casualties and damaged aviation infrastructure, including a commercial aircraft parked at the facility.
The Saudi-led military coalition has accused the Houthis of carrying out the latest strike and warned that it would respond.
The attack comes as fighting intensifies in Yemen following renewed military operations involving the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Houthi movement, which controls Sanaa and significant parts of northern Yemen.
The conflict has increasingly affected infrastructure beyond Yemen’s borders, with airports, energy facilities and other strategic sites in Saudi Arabia facing missile and drone attacks.
The Houthis have also warned airlines against using Saudi airspace, adding to concerns about the safety of civilian aviation amid the ongoing escalation.
The Maldives and Saudi Arabia maintain longstanding diplomatic relations, with cooperation extending across religious affairs, development assistance, education and other areas of mutual interest.
Saudi Arabia has also been an important development partner for the Maldives, supporting projects and initiatives through bilateral cooperation and financial assistance.
The Maldivian government has previously condemned attacks targeting Saudi territory and has consistently expressed support for the kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.
In its latest statement, the Foreign Ministry reiterated that attacks against civilian facilities cannot be justified and warned of their potential consequences for regional stability.
The government reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia as authorities continue responding to the attack and providing medical treatment to the injured.
