UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council has strongly condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure, while reaffirming the Kingdom’s inherent right to self-defence under international law.
In a statement, Council members condemned the ongoing attacks, which have reportedly caused civilian casualties, including among women and children. The Council expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia in response to attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure on its territory. Security Council also condemned attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, stressing that all parties must respect international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and uphold freedom of navigation.
Council members called for strengthened practical cooperation, including with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, to enforce the arms embargo imposed on the Houthis under Security Council Resolution 2216 and to prevent the group from obtaining weapons, training or financing for further attacks.
Growing Concern Over Yemen Humanitarian Crisis
The Council also expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen as fighting intensifies. The UN has reported that more than 100,000 people have been displaced inside Yemen amid the recent escalation, while thousands more have sought safety across the Red Sea.
Council members renewed their demand for the unconditional, safe and immediate release of detainees, including 73 UN personnel and staff members of non-governmental and civil society organisations held by the Houthis. The UN has repeatedly called for their release. Council warned that the widening confrontation—including Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, fighting along Yemen’s western coast and developments around the Bab al-Mandab Strait—could further expand the conflict, threaten maritime security and international trade, and undermine international efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council earlier this week that the situation around the Bab al-Mandab had become increasingly volatile, with the Houthis advancing along Yemen’s western coast and reportedly capturing several islands in the southern Red Sea. Council reaffirmed its support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and efforts toward a Yemeni-led political process aimed at ending the conflict.
The latest escalation follows a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. According to UN briefings, an attack on September 8 targeted civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan and Najran and reportedly injured 73 civilians, including women and children. On September 14, the Houthis claimed to have targeted the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait with ballistic missiles and drones.
The renewed violence has also raised concerns over energy supplies and international shipping. The UN has warned that developments around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab are taking place against the backdrop of continuing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to wider concerns over regional and global trade.
The Security Council’s latest position underscores growing international concern that continued attacks on Saudi territory and maritime routes could further complicate efforts to restore stability and revive Yemen’s political process.
BY: The Times Union
