Saudi Arabia urges firm UN Security Council action over Houthi attacks

NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia called on the UN Security Council to take a clear and firm stance against Houthi attacks on the Kingdom, warning that the escalation threatens regional security and international navigation through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab.Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil made the remarks during an emergency Security Council meeting convened to discuss the Houthi attacks on the Kingdom.Al-Wasil strongly condemned the terrorist and criminal attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, which injured 73 civilians, including women and children.He warned that the escalation threatens not only Saudi Arabia’s security, citizens and national assets, but also international shipping and trade in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.Al-Wasil urged the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security by taking a clear and decisive position against the attacks.He also called for the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and an end to all forms of support that enable the Houthis to continue attacks threatening regional security and international maritime routes.Al-Wasil reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to defend itself and protect its security, sovereignty, citizens, residents and national assets in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.He reiterated the Kingdom’s position in support of Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a comprehensive and sustainable Yemeni-led political solution that delivers security and stability and meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people.