Saudi-led coalition blames Iran for missile attack and calls it an 'act of war'

Saudi Arabia reserves the right to respond according to international law

Saudi led coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki gives a press conference at the King Salman Airbase in Riyadh on November 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / FAYEZ NURELDINE

The Saudi-led coalition has blamed Iran for the recent escalation of in the conflict with the Houth-rebels in Yemen and called the ballistic missile attack “an act of war".

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said Iran was to blame for supplying the rebels in Yemen with the ballistic missiles that were launched on Saudi Arabia on Saturday and on several occasions earlier this year.

"The Coalition's Command considers this a blatant act of military aggression by the Iranian regime, and could rise to be considered as an act of war against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said the SPA statement.

The coalition also said the kingdom had a "legitimate right" to defend its territory and people and reserves the right to respond to Iran  according to "international law and based upon the right of self-defence."

Coalition experts analysed fragments from both missiles and concluded that they were provided by the Iranian regime, despite the Houthis claiming they are made in Yemen.

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Saudi Arabia has closed all air, sea and land borders with Yemen, allowing only humanitarin supplies to pass through.

The central command of the coalition also warned that Yemeni civilians need to avoid all areas where there are active combat operations and Houthi militias are present.