The key facts

  • The UN Security Council adopted a statement condemning Houthi attacks and calling for preventing their acquisition of weapons
  • Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to self-defense and the importance of resolution 2216 (2015)
  • The coalition reported 19 killed and 364 wounded in attacks on airports

Riyadh's Reaction to the Security Council Statement

Saudi Arabia welcomed the presidential statement of the UN Security Council adopted this week, which condemns the Houthis' attacks on the kingdom and calls for cooperation, including with the government of Yemen, to prevent the group from acquiring weapons and related materials. The kingdom's Foreign Ministry noted that the council condemned the ongoing and escalating attacks, including strikes on airports and energy infrastructure, as well as the 'ongoing threats to shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait'.

Reference to Resolution 2216 and the Right to Self-Defense

The Foreign Ministry's statement said the kingdom affirmed the importance of the document's provisions, including the emphasis on the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) and subsequent resolutions, as well as the call for practical cooperation so that the 'Houthi terrorist group' does not receive weapons and other support. Resolution 2216 requires the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally cease violence, withdraw forces from captured areas, including the capital Sanaa, surrender weapons seized from the military and security services, stop exercising the powers of the internationally recognized government of Yemen, and ensure humanitarian and medical access to civilians. Riyadh also reaffirmed its 'inherent right under international law' to take all necessary measures to protect the security of the country and its citizens and residents.

Context of Escalation and Casualty Figures

Military escalation in Yemen has continued since July between the government, supported by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition, and the Houthis — following a period of relative calm linked to the truce that began in April 2022. On Thursday, the coalition reported that 19 people were killed and 364 wounded as a result of Houthi attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia.