Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have brought Mideast conflict to 'dangerous juncture', Pakistan tells UN

On Tuesday, Pakistan warned that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia had escalated the Middle East conflict to a "dangerous juncture". The United States and China joined in urging restraint and de-escalation in Yemen as renewed fighting threatened to further destabilize the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Pakistan's Permanent Representative expressed strong condemnation of the Houthi attacks, reaffirming support for Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself.

He warned that ongoing violations of international law and a halt to diplomatic efforts were risking a full-scale conflict. China and the US called for the Houthi group to cease their advances and withdraw from seized territory, while emphasizing the shared international responsibility to protect shipping in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia detailed the recent Houthi attacks, which injured civilians and targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Yemen's representative urged the council to uphold the arms embargo and support Yemen in restoring its authority over its territory and coast, as well as addressing the humanitarian crisis. African representatives warned against Yemen becoming an arena for proxy warfare, emphasizing the importance of Red Sea security for their region.