United Nations: The UN Security Council has condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure that injured civilians, including women and children.
Council members reiterated their condemnation of Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. They stressed the need to protect vessels and their crews.
The council demanded that the Houthis immediately end their military escalation and attacks affecting civilians and civilian objects.
Members also expressed concern over reports of civilians being killed and injured in the violence. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least 125,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since the beginning of September.
The council warned that further escalation could worsen Yemen’s humanitarian situation and called for full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.
It also demanded the unconditional release of detainees, including 73 UN personnel and staff members of non-governmental organisations, civil society groups and diplomatic missions.
Council members called for practical cooperation with the Yemeni government to prevent the Houthis from obtaining arms, technical assistance, training and financing for military activities. They also reminded all UN member states of their obligations under the targeted arms embargo.
The Security Council expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and affirmed its inherent right to self-defence under international law.
At the same time, members reaffirmed their commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They said sustainable peace could not be achieved through violence, coercion or the use of force.
