UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

UN Security Council backs Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defence

NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure. Council members also affirmed Saudi Arabia’s inherent right to self-defence under international law and expressed solidarity with the Kingdom over attacks affecting civilians and civilian objects.

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Houthi attacks have affected civilian and energy infrastructure

The Security Council statement highlighted the impact of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, including incidents that caused civilian injuries. UN discussions this week referred to attacks affecting cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and other areas in southern Saudi Arabia. According to UN briefings, an attack reported on September 8 injured 73 civilians, including women and children. A further September 14 attack reportedly injured 13 civilians and damaged residential property.

UN raises concerns over Red Sea shipping

The Security Council also condemned attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and around the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Members stressed the importance of international law and freedom of navigation, warning that continued attacks could affect maritime security and international trade. The UN has repeatedly called on all parties to protect civilian populations and maintain safe and unimpeded maritime movement.

Council calls for stronger enforcement of arms restrictions

Council members urged practical cooperation with Yemen’s internationally recognized government to enforce the existing arms embargo on the Houthis under Security Council Resolution 2216. The objective is to prevent the group from obtaining weapons, military training and financing that could support further attacks. The discussions also stressed the importance of addressing weapons transfers and other forms of military support while continuing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Yemen faces a worsening humanitarian situation

The renewed fighting is also creating additional humanitarian pressure inside Yemen. The UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs said at least 125,000 people had been displaced since the beginning of September as fighting intensified across multiple front lines. UN agencies have also reported that more than 22 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance, while access to vulnerable communities has been affected by the continuing conflict.

UN demands release of detained personnel

The Security Council also renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional release of detained United Nations personnel and other humanitarian and civil society workers. UN officials said 73 UN personnel remained arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities as of September 18, with some having been held since 2021. The UN has warned that these detentions and restrictions are making humanitarian operations increasingly difficult in areas under Houthi control.

UN continues to support a political settlement in Yemen

The latest Security Council position comes as fighting and regional tensions continue to threaten efforts toward a negotiated settlement in Yemen. Council members reaffirmed support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and the UN-led political process. The UN has called on all sides to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law, safeguard freedom of navigation and work toward de-escalation and a Yemeni-led political solution.