Members of the United Nations Security Council have strongly condemned attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civil aviation and energy infrastructure that reportedly caused deaths and injuries. The council also denounced threats to commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, calling for an immediate halt to military escalation.
In a statement delivered by the Security Council president, members expressed condolences to the families of those killed, as well as to the Saudi government and people. They also wished those injured a rapid recovery following the reported attacks.
The statement cited strikes on King Khalid International Airport on October 10 and 11, describing them as reckless attacks that resulted in casualties. It also referred to multiple strikes targeting other Saudi airports and facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco, the Kingdom’s state-owned energy company.
Council members reaffirmed their opposition to attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia in response to incidents on its territory. They also recognised the Kingdom’s inherent right to self-defence under international law.
The statement extended beyond the attacks on Saudi territory to address maritime security in one of the world’s important commercial shipping corridors. Security Council members reiterated their condemnation of Houthi attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, emphasising the need to protect vessels and their crews.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a key passage for international trade moving between Europe and Asia. Threats to shipping in this area can create risks for seafarers, disrupt commercial operations and place additional pressure on international supply chains.
The council also called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2216, adopted in 2015, and subsequent relevant resolutions. Resolution 2216 addressed the conflict in Yemen and included measures concerning arms supplies to the Houthi movement.
To prevent further attacks, council members urged practical cooperation with the internationally recognised Yemeni government and other relevant parties. Their call covered efforts to stop the Houthis from acquiring weapons, related materials, technical assistance, training, financing and other support connected with military activities that could facilitate additional attacks.
The statement further demanded that the Houthi movement immediately end its military escalation and stop targeting civilians and civilian objects. The council’s position underscored the importance of protecting civilian lives and maintaining the security of essential infrastructure.
Alongside its security concerns, the Security Council reiterated support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Members reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The council also renewed its backing for United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and his efforts to advance a negotiated political settlement. The stated objective remains a comprehensive agreement led and owned by Yemenis, rather than a resolution imposed from outside the country.
The diplomatic statement reflects continuing international concern over the effects of the Yemen conflict on regional security, civilian infrastructure and maritime trade. Attacks affecting Saudi Arabia and threats to Red Sea shipping have implications beyond the immediate parties, given the strategic importance of the region to international transport and energy markets.
However, the statement did not announce new sanctions or a separate military response. Instead, it emphasised existing Security Council resolutions, cooperation to restrict military supplies, protection of civilians and renewed efforts to reach a political settlement.
The council’s message combined condemnation of the reported attacks with calls for de-escalation and a negotiated solution to Yemen’s conflict. Its stated priorities include protecting Saudi civilians and infrastructure, securing commercial maritime routes and supporting a political process aimed at restoring stability in Yemen.
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