Yemen urges UN Security Council to act after Aden airport attack

The Yemeni government has called on the United Nations Security Council to take firm and punitive measures to stop Houthi attacks on Aden International Airport, after the facility was targeted by ballistic missiles for the sixth time in October. The government warned that these assaults threaten the safety of civil aviation, travelers, and airport staff, and urged the enforcement of the arms embargo on the group.

The appeal came in a letter from Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi, addressed to the President of the Security Council, with a copy sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The letter highlighted the escalation of Houthi attacks on the airport and their impact on civil aviation safety.

According to the letter, the Houthis targeted Aden International Airport on Wednesday, October 28, with several ballistic missiles, endangering the lives of civilians, travelers, and staff. The attack forced several flights to be diverted to other airports to ensure passenger safety.

The Yemeni government condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a civilian airport as a war crime and a direct threat to the lives of passengers, aircrews, and staff, as well as to the movement of citizens and humanitarian efforts. The government held the Houthis fully responsible for the attacks and their consequences.

The government stressed that repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure require international action that goes beyond statements of concern and condemnation, calling for practical measures to protect civil airports, hold those responsible for the attacks accountable, and prevent facilities serving the public from becoming targets of military escalation.

The government called on the Security Council, the United Nations, and the international community to act urgently to pressure the Houthis and their backers to halt attacks and violations, especially those targeting civilian facilities and residential areas.

It also emphasized the need for full and effective implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2140 of 2014 and Resolution 2216 of 2015, especially regarding the enforcement of the arms embargo on individuals and entities subject to these measures.

The government further called for enhanced international cooperation with Yemen to prevent the supply, sale, or illicit transfer of ballistic missiles, weapons, and their components to the Houthis, as well as to block all forms of related military assistance.

Yemeni-Saudi diplomatic efforts

In a related development, Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, held a phone call on Thursday with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the latest developments in Yemen and the region. The talks focused on the Houthi escalation against civilians and civilian infrastructure in both countries and ways to strengthen joint coordination.