Ankara reiterated its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security on Tuesday, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stating that Turkey stands with Riyadh as the frequency of Houthi attacks on maritime routes and coastal facilities escalates. The remarks were made during a press briefing in Ankara, where the minister highlighted the growing threat posed by the Yemen‑based militia to regional stability and international trade.
Fidan noted that the recent wave of missile and drone launches by the Houthi movement has targeted commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, as well as several Saudi ports and offshore platforms. He said the attacks have disrupted shipping lanes that are vital for global energy supplies and have heightened concerns among nations that rely on the corridor for imports and exports.
The Turkish foreign minister emphasized that Turkey’s support for Saudi Arabia is rooted in shared interests in safeguarding maritime security and ensuring the free flow of commerce. He added that Ankara is prepared to cooperate with Riyadh on intelligence sharing, joint monitoring of the Red Sea, and other security initiatives aimed at countering the Houthi threat.
While condemning the Houthi actions, Fidan called for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Yemen, urging all parties to return to negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations. He reiterated Turkey’s willingness to facilitate dialogue and contribute to humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the fighting.
The statement comes as the United Nations reports a marked increase in Houthi‑launched projectiles since early September, with several incidents involving commercial ships reporting damage or near‑misses. International shipping companies have issued advisories urging vessels to adopt heightened vigilance and, where possible, to reroute around high‑risk zones.
Saudi officials have previously accused the Houthi rebels of acting with the backing of Iran, a claim that Tehran denies. The escalation has prompted a broader coalition of Gulf states and external partners to consider additional defensive measures, including the deployment of naval assets to protect shipping lanes.
Turkey’s reaffirmation of support for Saudi security aligns with a series of recent diplomatic engagements between the two countries, which have sought to deepen economic and strategic ties. Earlier this year, Turkish and Saudi delegations discussed cooperation in areas such as energy, tourism, and defense procurement.
Analysts note that Turkey’s stance may also reflect its broader regional strategy, which includes balancing relations with both Gulf monarchies and other regional actors. By publicly backing Saudi Arabia, Ankara signals its intent to play a proactive role in addressing security challenges that affect the wider Middle East and the global economy.
The foreign minister concluded by urging the international community to maintain pressure on the Houthi movement to cease hostilities and to support efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable peace in Yemen. He indicated that Turkey will continue to monitor the situation closely and stand ready to assist its partners in safeguarding regional stability.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/19/turkiye-backs-saudi-arabias-security-amid-escalating-houthi-attacks-fm?traffic_source=rss.