UN Security Council strongly condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

08:15

By: Azzat Manal

UN Security Council strongly condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned what it described as continuing and escalating Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, particularly strikes targeting civil aviation infrastructure and the energy sector that reportedly caused civilian deaths and injuries.

In a statement issued by the council’s presidency on Thursday, October 15, following a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, all 15 members expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of the attacks. They also reaffirmed the kingdom’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law.

The council condemned the continued Houthi attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic maritime passage linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The route is important for international trade, making threats to vessels and their crews a wider concern for regional and global shipping.

Council members stressed the need to protect commercial ships and their crews and called for respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the principles governing freedom of navigation.

The statement also urged the international community to strengthen cooperation, particularly with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, to prevent the Houthis from obtaining weapons, related equipment, technical assistance, training or financing that could facilitate further attacks.

Alongside its condemnation of the attacks, the Security Council reiterated its support for Yemen’s government and reaffirmed its commitment to the country’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

The council emphasised that lasting peace in Yemen cannot be achieved through violence, coercion or the use of force. It renewed its backing for an inclusive, negotiated political settlement led by Yemenis themselves, reflecting continued international support for a diplomatic path out of the conflict.

The statement underscores the Security Council’s concerns over the interconnected challenges of civilian protection, regional security and maritime stability. It also highlights the importance of coordinated international efforts to reduce the risk of further attacks while supporting a political process capable of addressing Yemen’s prolonged crisis.