UN Security Council Strongly Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

On Friday, the United Nations Security Council delivered a rare and unified condemnation of the escalating attacks waged by Yemeni Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi forces have implemented a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, striking its tankers and territory while seizing extensive areas of Yemen’s Red Sea coast. This strategic coastline is vital for Saudi oil exports, and the disruptions have caused significant spikes in global energy prices.

During a joint statement, the Security Council’s rotating president, French UN envoy Jerome Bonnafont, expressed the body’s strongest condemnation of the持续 Houthi assaults. These attacks have targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, leading to injuries among civilians, including women and children.

The council further underscored the critical need to operate in compliance with international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to safeguard navigation rights and freedoms.

The statement issued an immediate demand for the Houthis to cease their military escalation and any attacks that endanger civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Recent Houthi territorial gains have entrenched Iran and its allies’ influence over two pivotal waterways in the Gulf. These maritime routes are indispensable for Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading crude oil exporter, and other regional nations to transport oil and fuel products.

The United States and its allies, including Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government backed by Riyadh, have consistently accused Iran of providing support to the Houthi militant movement.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected these accusations on Thursday, maintaining that the Houthis bear responsibility for their independent actions.

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