Saudi Arabia welcomes UN Security Council condemnation of Houthi attacks, reaffirms right to self-defense

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia welcomed a United Nations Security Council presidential statement strongly condemning escalating Houthi attacks against the Kingdom, reaffirming its inherent right under international law to defend its security and protect citizens and residents.In a statement issued Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for the Security Council's solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its condemnation of continued Houthi attacks targeting civilians, airports and vital infrastructure, as well as threats to maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.The Kingdom stressed the importance of the council's call for the full implementation of Resolution 2216 (2015) and subsequent resolutions, alongside practical international cooperation to prevent the Houthis from obtaining weapons and other forms of military support."The Kingdom appreciates the solidarity of Security Council members in confronting attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects on its territory and emphasizes its inherent right under international law to take all measures necessary to defend its security and protect its citizens and residents," the ministry said.Security Council condemns deadly airport attacksIn its presidential statement, the Security Council strongly condemned the ongoing and escalating Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, particularly those targeting civil aviation and energy infrastructure that have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.Council members specifically condemned the "reckless strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport" on October 10 and 11, which caused fatalities and injuries.The statement also denounced multiple attacks targeting other Saudi airports and Saudi Aramco facilities.Security Council members extended their condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Saudi Arabia, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.They expressed solidarity with the Kingdom in the face of attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure on its territory, affirming Saudi Arabia's inherent right to self-defense in accordance with international law.The council called on the Houthis to immediately halt their military escalation and attacks against civilians and civilian facilities.UN calls for action to cut off Houthi weapons suppliesThe Security Council emphasized the importance of fully implementing Resolution 2216 (2015) and subsequent resolutions, calling for stronger practical cooperation, including with the Yemeni government, to prevent weapons and military assistance from reaching the Houthis.The council said such cooperation should cover weapons and related materiel, technical assistance, training, financing and other forms of support linked to military activities that could enable further attacks.Members also reiterated their strongest condemnation of continued Houthi attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.They stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of commercial vessels and their crews amid threats to international maritime navigation.Security Council reaffirms support for Yemen's governmentThe Security Council reaffirmed its support for Yemen's internationally recognized government and reiterated its commitment to the country's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.Members also expressed continued support for UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and his efforts to secure a comprehensive political settlement through negotiations.