Yemeni government urges UNSC action as Houthis advance toward Bab al-Mandab
Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of seeking to “choke the straits” and hold the global economy hostage, while the US and UK called for pressure on Iran over its support for the group.
On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to address the intensifying conflict in Yemen sparked by Houthi advances. The internationally recognized Yemeni government warned that the situation now poses a significant threat to regional security, freedom of navigation in the Middle East, global energy supplies, and broader supply chains.
The Houthis have been advancing along Yemen's western coast, approaching the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Saudi Arabia's representative highlighted the Houthis' strategy of "choking the straits," which threatens the global economy. Bahrain's envoy called for a more decisive response from the Security Council, as the escalation has worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing Yemeni civilians to flee their homes. The UN Assistant Secretary-General expressed concern over the exodus of approximately 2,300 people to Djibouti, and condemned attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure.
The United States called for an end to Iran's support of the Houthis and urged the Security Council to remain vigilant about Tehran's role in arming, funding, and directing the group. China's representative reiterated the Chinese government's respect for Yemen and Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of protecting Red Sea shipping as a shared international responsibility.
The United Kingdom condemned the Houthis' attacks, stating that they bear full responsibility for the escalating violence. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the Houthis' attacks on Mecca and Medina, as well as their ongoing aggression against Saudi Arabia, warning that these actions instill fear in innocent civilians and violate the sanctity of holy sites.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
