Saudi King Salman condemns Houthis as 'terrorist militia' in rare statement

RIYADH: The king of Saudi Arabia denounced Yemen’s Houthis as a “terrorist militia” in a rare statement Tuesday reacting to an attack that authorities said targeted the holy city of Makkah last week.

King Salman, 90, praised the armed forces and security services for defending the country, and condemned the recent Houthi attempt “to target Makkah”, calling it “a provocation to Muslims around the world”, according to the official Saudi news agency.

Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport; Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital