UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemeni Houthi rebels, in a rare show of unity from the UN's top body. The Houthis have imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, hitting its tankers and territory and seizing parts of Yemen's Red Sea coast, driving up energy prices.

What did the UN Security Council say about the Houthi attacks?

The Security Council condemned, in the strongest terms, continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian and energy infrastructure that have injured civilians, women and children among them. The statement was delivered by the Council's rotating president, French UN envoy Jerome Bonnafont, on behalf of all members.

What does the Security Council want the Houthis to do?

The Council stressed the importance of acting in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and of upholding navigation rights and freedoms. It demanded that the Houthis immediately cease their military escalation and their attacks on civilians and civilian objects, according to the statement.

Why is the Houthi blockade significant for Saudi Arabia?

Houthi territorial gains in recent weeks have strengthened the hold of Iran and its allies over two waterways that the wider Gulf, including top crude exporter Saudi Arabia, relies on to ship oil and fuel products. Washington and its allies, including Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, accuse Iran of backing the Houthi movement. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian denied the claim on Thursday, saying the Houthis are responsible for their own actions.