The United Nations Security Council has condemned the escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate end to the military escalation and attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
In a statement, members of the 15-nation council strongly denounced attacks that have affected Saudi civilian and energy infrastructure and resulted in injuries to civilians, including women and children. The council also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and affirmed its right to self-defence under international law.
The Security Council also raised concerns about threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. It stressed the importance of protecting commercial vessels and their crews and upholding freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The escalation has also intensified the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The UN said at least 125,000 people had been displaced across Yemen since the beginning of September, while continued fighting has resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The council warned that further escalation could worsen the humanitarian situation and trigger additional displacement.
The council called for humanitarian organisations to have full, safe and unhindered access to civilians in need. It also reiterated its demand for the safe and immediate release of detainees, including UN personnel and workers from humanitarian and civil society organisations.
The Security Council further called on countries to prevent the Houthis from obtaining weapons, military equipment, financing, training and other assistance that could facilitate further attacks. It reiterated the importance of implementing the existing UN arms embargo.
The latest developments have raised concerns about the wider impact on regional security and international trade. The council warned that continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, along with threats to shipping and advances around the Bab al-Mandab, could further expand the conflict and undermine efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.
The UN Security Council also reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to pursue a negotiated, inclusive and Yemeni-led political settlement.
