The council called for an immediate halt to Houthi attacks, condemned threats to civilian and energy infrastructure, and urged the release of detained UN personnel.
WEB DESK: The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned continued Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilians and energy infrastructure, and called for an immediate halt to the military escalation.
The council’s position, reported on September 18, comes amid a sharp escalation in fighting in Yemen and increased Houthi attacks across southern Saudi Arabia. The United Nations has also raised concerns over threats to maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Council calls for attacks to stop
According to the Express report, the Security Council called on the Houthis to immediately end their military escalation and attacks against Saudi Arabia.
The council condemned attacks affecting civilian areas and energy infrastructure, with civilians, including women and children, reported among those injured.
UN officials have separately expressed concern over recent cross-border Houthi attacks and urged all parties to exercise restraint and comply with international humanitarian law.
Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defence
The Security Council also recognised Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law.
The council’s position comes after a series of attacks involving missiles and drones against Saudi locations. UN Security Council discussions have referenced attacks affecting cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait and Taif, as well as damage to civilian property.
Reuters reported that Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia have intensified in recent days, including strikes and attempted attacks involving military and energy-related targets.
Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb concerns
The Security Council also condemned threats and attacks affecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The maritime route is strategically important for international trade, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. UN officials have warned that the escalation around Yemen’s western coastline is increasing risks to regional security and maritime navigation.
The United Nations has reported that commercial shipping through the Red Sea remained largely unaffected as of September 15, although the Houthi advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb has increased concerns over the security of the route.
Calls to restrict support to Houthis
The council also urged member states to take practical steps to prevent weapons, military training, technical assistance and financial resources from reaching the Houthis, according to the Express report.
The issue of external support for the Houthis has been a recurring point of concern in international discussions over Yemen.
More than 125,000 displaced in Yemen
The latest escalation is also worsening the humanitarian situation inside Yemen.
According to the Express report, the United Nations estimates that at least 125,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of September because of renewed fighting.
UN officials have separately warned of growing humanitarian needs as fighting intensifies along several Yemeni front lines. Reuters reported that more than 100,000 people had been internally displaced amid the renewed conflict, with humanitarian operations facing significant access and security challenges.
UN personnel remain detained
The Security Council also called on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release detained personnel, including 73 United Nations staff members, according to the Express report.
The detention of UN and humanitarian personnel has remained a major concern for international organisations operating in Yemen.
Regional tensions continue
The Security Council’s condemnation comes as Saudi Arabia continues to face security alerts linked to the wider regional escalation.
On September 19, Saudi authorities issued warnings over possible aerial threats in several areas. Reuters also reported smoke and flames near Riyadh’s main airport after overnight alerts, although Saudi authorities had not immediately provided a detailed public explanation for the incident.
The developments underline the widening security and humanitarian implications of the renewed fighting in Yemen and its impact on Saudi Arabia and regional shipping routes.
