'Every innocent life matters': Zaqy Mohamad says Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia cannot be justified

Singapore's Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs on Sunday (Oct 11) said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia cannot be justified.

"Every innocent life matters," the acting minister wrote in a statement published on his social media.

He was referring to recent attacks in Saudi Arabia, including an attack on Riyadh's international airport on Saturday that left at least 12 people dead and more than 300 wounded.

The attack was also the third reported attack this week, as Iran-backed Houthis escalated the campaign they launched this summer against the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is home to Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities in Islam, noted the acting minister, who said he understands the concerns of Singaporeans, especially those with loved ones there or planning to perform the pilgrimage ( umrah ).

"I am deeply saddened by the recent attacks in Saudi Arabia," Zaqy wrote, adding that his thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

He also urged Singaporeans, including pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, to remain vigilant, follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' latest travel advisories and e-register with the ministry .

"We hope for an end to the violence and for peace and stability to prevail in the region," Zaqy said.

新加坡负责穆斯林事务的代理部长周日（10月11日）表示，对沙特阿拉伯平民和民用基础设施的袭击是不可辩解的。

“每一个无辜的生命都至关重要，”这位代理部长在他的社交媒体上发表声明写道。

他指的是沙特阿拉伯最近发生的袭击事件，包括周六发生在利雅得国际机场的袭击事件，该事件造成至少 12 人死亡，300 多人受伤。

此次袭击也是本周报道的第三起袭击事件，伊朗支持的胡塞武装加大了今年夏天针对沙特阿拉伯王国发起的攻势。

代理部长指出，沙特阿拉伯是伊斯兰教两大圣城麦加和麦地那的所在地，他表示理解新加坡人的担忧，特别是那些在沙特阿拉伯有亲人或计划进行朝觐（副朝）的人。

“我对沙特阿拉伯最近发生的袭击事件深感悲痛，”扎基写道，并表示他与受害者及其家属同在，为他们祈祷。

他还敦促新加坡人，包括在沙特阿拉伯的朝圣者，保持警惕，遵循外交部的最新旅行建议，并在外交部进行电子登记。

扎基说：“我们希望暴力结束，希望该地区实现和平与稳定。”