The Government of Kenya has condemned escalating missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate end to the hostilities and respect for international law.
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on September 18, Kenya said the attacks had targeted infrastructure facilities, civilians and sacred places in the Kingdom.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya condemns the escalating missile and drone attacks directed against the infrastructure facilities, civilians and sacred places in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and calls for the immediate cessation of the growing hostilities,” read the statement.
Kenya said attacks targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure and places of worship were contrary to international humanitarian law and threatened the regional stability and security of Saudi Arabia.
Kenya Raises Concern Over Maritime Trade
The government also expressed concern over hostile activities affecting safe maritime trade in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
Kenya said disruptions and threats to freedom of navigation could have wider implications for regional and global economic stability and energy security.
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It called for full respect for international law and implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Yemen and the Houthis, including obligations relating to an arms embargo.
Kenya also 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,” stated the Ministry.
Kenya Stands With Saudi Arabia
The government said the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states are inviolable under the United Nations Charter.
Kenya 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.
The government also said it remained focused on the safety of Kenyan nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia.
Kenya called on all parties to exercise restraint and de-escalate the situation.
The government further expressed support for a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations, describing it as the only durable path to peace.
Kenya also maintained its commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and said it remained committed to strengthening the longstanding relations, friendship, and cooperation between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi-Houthi Fighting Escalates
War between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement has intensified after a period of relative calm that followed a United Nations-brokered truce in 2022.
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Although the truce reduced large-scale clashes, the conflict in Yemen remained unresolved. In 2026, hostilities increased, with the Houthis launching attacks inside Saudi Arabia while Saudi-backed forces carried out operations against Houthi positions.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on oil facilities and other targets. Saudi authorities have reported deaths, injuries and damage to infrastructure following some of the attacks.
The renewed conflict has also raised concerns over the security of key shipping routes in the Red Sea, a major corridor for global trade.
On September 16, Saudi Arabia said its air defence systems intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the city’s restricted airspace. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca.
The following day, Saudi Civil Defence said debris from another intercepted drone fell in Taif, killing a Yemeni resident and injuring a Saudi woman and a Pakistani resident. Several buildings and vehicles were also damaged.
According to Saudi authorities, the Taif incident marked the first civilian death in Saudi Arabia during the latest wave of Houthi attacks.
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