The Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, also issued a statement condemning the attack.
“This attack represents a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its territorial integrity and its vital installations, and a flagrant violation of the principles of international law,” said Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
A lightning offensive in Yemen this week saw Houthi militants seize control of much of the country’s coastline, sources said.
The group said it controlled the Bab al-Mandab strait, the gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, although it said maritime traffic was “safe for all companies except Saudi vessels.”
Yemen’s armed forces have since struck back. On Friday, spokesman Majid al-Nuzali said they attacked Houthi positions in and around the city of Mokha, adding that they destroyed vehicles and weapons and killed several Houthi fighters.
The strategic coastal city on the Red Sea is located approximately 80 km (50 miles) north of the Bab el-Mandab Strait. The Houthis seized control of Moha on Thursday. Their attack forced many people to flee to Aden, where Yemen’s internationally recognized presidential council and government are based.
Local sources also said government forces carried out air strikes against Houthi forces in Taiz province, located along the Red Sea coast, and Ibb province, adjacent to Taiz.
The developments put pressure on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula, pushing crude oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
Concerns about inflation have risen along with rising energy prices, further increasing government borrowing costs.