UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attacks On Saudi Arabia, Backs Riyadh’s Right To Self-Defense

The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with Riyadh, as members warned that the escalating violence could further destabilise Yemen and threaten regional and international security.

At an emergency meeting on Thursday, council members condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and their threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and around the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Several members reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory, citizens and national assets in accordance with international law.

The meeting came after a series of Houthi attacks, including strikes reported on September 8 against Saudi Arabia. The United Kingdom said the attacks had injured civilians, damaged residential areas and disrupted commercial aviation, while warning that continued Houthi military operations could further undermine regional stability.

Security Council Warns Of Wider Regional Escalation

UN members also voiced concern over the impact of the renewed fighting on Yemen’s fragile peace process. UN officials warned that the escalation risks drawing Yemen into the wider regional confrontation and reversing efforts made since the 2022 truce.

The council also condemned Houthi threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation, particularly around the strategically important Bab Al-Mandab Strait, a major route for international trade and shipping.

The UK said the Houthis bear responsibility for the latest escalation and called for an immediate halt to attacks against Saudi Arabia, international shipping and Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Right To Defend Itself

Saudi Arabia’s UN ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil told the council that Riyadh has a legitimate right to defend itself, its citizens and residents, and its national resources.

He urged the Security Council to enforce existing resolutions targeting the Houthis, including Resolution 2216, which includes an arms embargo, and Resolution 2722, which demands an immediate halt to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia has said it will take necessary measures to deter further attacks and protect its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, member states retain an inherent right to individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs, subject to the provisions of the Charter.

Concern Over Red Sea Shipping

The Security Council’s discussions also focused on the wider threat to maritime security. Council members warned that attacks around the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea could disrupt international trade, supply chains and energy security.

Latvia said the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab are vital routes for global commerce and called on the Houthis to immediately stop attacks against commercial vessels. Pakistan also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed its right to take necessary measures to protect its territory and citizens.

Humanitarian Situation In Yemen Worsens

The renewed fighting is also aggravating Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. UN members highlighted rising displacement and food insecurity, while warning that attacks on civilian infrastructure and disruption of humanitarian operations could further worsen conditions for millions of Yemenis.

The UK said more than 22 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance, while more than 18 million face acute food insecurity.

The Security Council has called for an immediate de-escalation, the protection of civilians and a return to a UN-led political process aimed at achieving a lasting settlement in Yemen.

Iran’s Role Becomes Key Issue

Several Western and regional representatives also raised concerns about Iranian support for the Houthis. The UK and US said continued transfers of weapons and military support were contributing to the escalation and called for stronger implementation of the existing arms embargo.

The latest Security Council discussions therefore combine calls for an end to Houthi attacks with renewed demands for enforcement of existing UN measures, protection of maritime navigation and a return to negotiations to resolve Yemen’s conflict.