The UN Security Council has condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure that wounded civilians, including women and children.
Council members reiterated their condemnation of attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandab, stressing the need to protect vessels and their crews.
The council demanded that the Houthis “immediately cease their military escalation” and attacks affecting civilians and civilian objects.
Members expressed grave concern over reports of civilian casualties and noted that at least 125,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since the beginning of September, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
They warned that further escalation could worsen Yemen’s severe humanitarian situation and called for full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.
Council demands Houthis release detainees
The council also demanded the unconditional release of detainees, including 73 UN personnel and staff from NGOs, civil society groups and diplomatic missions.
Members called for cooperation with the Yemeni government to prevent the Houthis from obtaining weapons, technical assistance, training and financing for military activities. They also reminded UN member states of their obligations under the targeted arms embargo.
The council expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and affirmed its inherent right to self-defence under international law.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, stressing that sustainable peace “cannot be achieved through violence, coercion, or the use of force”.
Fighting threatens fragile calm
Council members backed UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to pursue a negotiated, inclusive and Yemeni-led political settlement and urged all parties to engage constructively with UN initiatives.
Saudi Arabia has faced missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis in recent days amid escalating regional tensions.
Fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis has also intensified since early July, ending a period of relative calm that had largely held since a UN-brokered truce took effect in April 2022.
