UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Red Sea shipping

Members of the UN Security Council have strongly condemned the ongoing and escalating attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civil aviation and energy infrastructure that have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.

A statement from the Council president noted that the attacks included "reckless strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport" on October 10 and 11, which caused fatalities and injuries, as well as multiple strikes on other airports and Saudi Aramco facilities.

Council members extended their sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Saudi Arabia, wishing a swift recovery to the injured. They reiterated their condemnation of continued Houthi attacks and threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab, stressing the importance of safeguarding commercial vessels and their crews.

International support for Saudi Arabia and Yemen

The Security Council underscored the importance of fully implementing Resolution 2216 of 2015 and subsequent resolutions, calling for practical cooperation to prevent the Houthis from obtaining weapons, technical assistance, training, and funding related to military activities.

In the same context, Council members expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure on its territory, affirming the Kingdom's right to self-defense in accordance with international law.

The Council called on the Houthis to immediately halt their military escalation and attacks against civilians and civilian sites, reiterating support for the Yemeni government and their commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Council members also reaffirmed their support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg in his efforts to achieve a comprehensive, Yemeni-led, negotiated political settlement.