New York: The UN Security Council has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and demanded an immediate halt to the group’s military escalation amid growing regional and maritime security concerns.
In a statement, Council members condemned in the strongest terms attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure. The statement also expressed concern over civilians reportedly killed or injured in the recent violence.
The Council demanded that the Houthis “immediately cease their military escalation” and stop attacks affecting civilians and civilian objects.
It also reiterated its earlier condemnation of attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al Mandab Strait, stressing the importance of protecting vessels and their crews and maintaining freedom of navigation.
The Security Council expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed what it described as the kingdom’s inherent right to self defence under international law. At the same time, it reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The latest statement comes amid a sharp deterioration in Yemen’s security situation. UN officials have warned that the conflict has entered a more dangerous phase, with developments along Yemen’s Red Sea coast adding to concerns over civilian safety and international trade routes.
Pakistan has also condemned the Houthi attacks. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, told the Security Council that the attacks on Saudi Arabia and developments along Yemen’s Red Sea coast had brought the conflict to an “extremely dangerous juncture”. He also warned that disruption to shipping in the Bab al Mandab could have consequences well beyond the region.
The strategic importance of the issue extends beyond Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The Bab al Mandab connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for international commercial shipping. Renewed attacks therefore raise concerns over maritime security, energy flows and wider regional escalation.
The Security Council’s latest position adds diplomatic pressure for an end to the military escalation while reiterating support for Yemen’s territorial integrity and the protection of international navigation.
