NEW YORK: The UN Security Council has strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, affirming the Kingdom’s inherent right to defend itself under international law and expressing solidarity with Riyadh in protecting its people, territory and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Friday, council members condemned what they described as continued Houthi attacks against Saudi territory, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure that have injured civilians, including women and children.
The council affirmed “the inherent right of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to self-defence in accordance with international law” and expressed solidarity with Riyadh in the face of attacks affecting civilians and civilian objects.
The UN Security Council has strongly condemned ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, affirming Riyadh’s right to self-defense amid continuous strikes on Kingdom territory. https://t.co/MmbuPfVtHE pic.twitter.com/5djYOHbIbu
— Arab News (@arabnews) September 19, 2026
The council also condemned attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
It called on the Houthis to respect international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and uphold freedom of navigation through the strategically important maritime corridor.
The UN has warned that the Houthi advance along Yemen’s western coast and towards Bab al-Mandab is increasing regional instability, even though commercial shipping through the Red Sea remained largely unaffected as of the UN’s latest assessment.
Arms Embargo
Security Council members called for practical cooperation with Yemen’s internationally recognised government to enforce the arms embargo imposed on the Houthis under Resolution 2216.
The measures are intended to prevent the group from obtaining weapons, training and financing that could enable further attacks.
The council also expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the renewed fighting inside Yemen, where more than 126,000 people had been displaced by the time of a recent Security Council briefing.
The council renewed its demand for the unconditional, safe and immediate release of detainees held by the Houthis, including UN personnel and staff working for non-governmental and civil society organisations.
The continued detention of UN personnel has complicated humanitarian operations in Yemen as the conflict expands and civilian displacement increases.
Regional Escalation
The Security Council warned that the widening confrontation could further expand the conflict, threaten maritime security and international trade, and undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace in Yemen.
The warning comes as Houthi forces have expanded their presence along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including the strategic port city of Mocha, while fighting has intensified with Saudi-backed Yemeni forces.
The council reaffirmed support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to secure a Yemeni-led political settlement.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to face repeated security alerts linked to Houthi attacks. Saudi civil defence issued fresh alerts in Riyadh and Al-Kharj on Saturday before giving an all-clear, highlighting the continuing security concerns.
