UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia , UN Security Council affirms Riyadh’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks

The UN Security Council on Friday strongly condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian and energy infrastructure, and reaffirmed Riyadh’s right to defend itself under international law.

In a statement, council members condemned the attacks, which have injured civilians, including women and children. They expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia over attacks affecting civilians and civilian facilities on its territory.

The council also condemned Houthi attacks and threats against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, calling on the group to comply with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and respect freedom of navigation.

Members urged practical steps to enforce the arms embargo on the Houthis under Security Council Resolution 2216, including cooperation with Yemen’s government, to prevent the group from receiving weapons, training or financial support for further attacks.

The council voiced concern over Yemen’s worsening humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that at least 125,000 people have been displaced across the country since the beginning of September amid the Houthi offensive.

It also repeated its demand for the “unconditional, safe and immediate release” of detainees, including 73 UN personnel as well as employees of non-governmental and civil society organisations held by the Houthis.

Council members warned that the escalating confrontation — including Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, threats to Red Sea shipping and advances near the Bab al-Mandab Strait — could further widen the conflict, threaten maritime security and international trade, and undermine efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.

The council reiterated its support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to promote a Yemeni-led political settlement.

The statement was issued amid the most intense series of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia since a long-running truce in Yemen’s civil war collapsed in July.

The Saudi-led coalition said a Sept. 8 barrage injured 73 people and struck Aramco energy infrastructure near the Yemeni border. Further attacks were reported almost daily in Khamis Mushait, Abha, Jazan and Najran through mid-September. A Sept. 14 strike reportedly injured another 13 civilians and damaged homes and vehicles.