UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The United Nations Security Council unanimously condemned escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia on Friday, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law. The Houthis have blockaded Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, attacking its tankers, seizing coastal areas crucial for oil exports, and driving up energy prices. This military escalation has resulted in civilian injuries, including women and children, and displaced over 125,000 people in Yemen since early September, according to the UN's humanitarian office.

French UN envoy Jerome Bonnafont, the council's rotating president, stated that the council condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, particularly those impacting civilian and energy infrastructure. The council urged the Houthis to cease their military escalation and attacks on civilians immediately. Iran, a key ally of the Houthis, faces accusations of backing the militant group, a claim denied by Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

The UN's humanitarian chief, Barham Salih, warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people already displaced and more on the move towards Djibouti and other destinations. The council called for full, safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need, highlighting the urgent need to protect those affected by the conflict.