UNSC condemns Houthis' missile attack against Saudi Arabia; reaffirms commitment to sovereignty

Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday condemned the latest missile attacks launched by Yemen’s Houthis against Saudi Arabia and other commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea. The international body also went on to denounce the unauthorised aircraft landings at Yemeni airports.

At an emergency meeting on recent developments in West Asia, the Security Council said its members were concerned about heightened tensions in Yemen. They stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could undermine efforts to secure peace or threaten international peace and security.

“The members of the Security Council condemned unauthorised landings of aircraft at Sana’a International Airport on 3 July and Hudaydah Airport on 13 July,” it said in a statement following the meeting. The body maintained that the landings at Yemeni airports were conducted without permission or clearance from the Yemeni government, calling them a violation of international civil aviation rules.

The council also condemned the missile attacks launched by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia since July 13, as well as attacks against commercial vessels since July 22. The council reaffirmed their “strong commitment” to Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, stressing the importance of respecting the country’s sovereignty over its land and airspace.

UNSC stresses ‘safe and secure’ air access

During the meeting, the UNSC emphasised that all flights to Yemeni airports must be coordinated with the Yemeni government and receive prior authorisation from it. The council also underscored the need for safe, secure and sustainable air access for humanitarian and civilian needs, in coordination with the government and consistent with international law and applicable civil aviation rules.

It emphasised the need for all parties to comply with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216, adopted in 2015, that prohibits the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel, as well as technical, financial or other assistance linked to military activities, to individuals and entities designated by the council’s 2140 Sanctions Committee, including the Houthis.

The council went on to warn that the latest developments threaten regional security and navigational rights and freedoms, risk further escalation, and undermine efforts to secure peace in Yemen and the wider region. It also urged Houthis to refrain from escalating the issue and encourage existing channels of dialogue to address concerns and reduce tensions.

The council reiterated its support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and emphasised his efforts to achieve a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement based on agreed references and relevant Security Council resolutions.

With inputs from agencies.