UN Security Council condemns Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia

• The UN Security Council demanded that the group immediately cease its military escalation.
• The Council expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, affirmed its inherent right to self-defence under international law, and reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a strong condemnation Saturday  of Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabia, including attacks directed at energy infrastructure and civilian areas.

In a statement, the Council demanded that the Houthis "immediately cease their military escalation."

Council members also reiterated their earlier condemnation of attacks and threats against shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb.

The UN Security Council expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, affirming its inherent right to self-defence under international law, while also reaffirming its commitment to Yemen's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.

Houthi attacks have intensified in recent days: Saudi Civil Defense issued two alerts in Riyadh and nearby Al-Kharj early Saturday, each followed by an all-clear, and a Houthi drone attack targeting Mecca drew condemnation from Qatar, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Bahrain, Egypt and Turkey. 

The Council noted that the strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure have injured civilians, including women and children, and warned that further escalation would worsen Yemen's humanitarian situation, citing UN figures showing at least 125,000 people displaced in Yemen since the start of September.

Read more: Qatar condemns Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia