France, Germany and UK condemn bid to attack Saudi capital Riyadh

The countries reiterate their 'firm attachment to the security and integrity of Saudi territory'

Saudi Arabia will push back an opening date for its ports following the delay of coronavirus vaccines. Shuttershock

France, Germany and the UK strongly condemned the attempted aerial attack on Riyadh on Saturday, which was intercepted by Saudi defence forces.

“Proliferation and the use of missiles and drones undermine the security and stability of the region, to which we are strongly committed," they said.

"We reiterate our firm attachment to the security and integrity of Saudi territory.”

Yemen's Houthi rebels have previously carried out similar attacks on Saudi Arabia, but denied any involvement in Saturday's incident.

A previously unknown Iraqi militia group, Alwiya Alwaad Al Haq, or the Righteous Pledge Battalion, claimed responsibility.

On Sunday, Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Middle East minister James Cleverly also condemned the aborted attack on Saudi capital.

"Yesterday’s attempted aerial attacks on Riyadh, which threatened loss of life, are deeply concerning. We strongly condemn these attacks, and we stand by our Saudi partners," said Mr Raab.