New York | September 19, 2026

Members of the United Nations Security Council have condemned in the strongest terms the continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilians and energy infrastructure.

The Council expressed concern over attacks that have injured civilians, including women and children, and warned that the escalating military activity in Yemen is increasing risks to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Council members reaffirmed their support for Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while stressing the need for full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015) and other relevant resolutions.

They also reiterated the importance of protecting commercial vessels and their crews and respecting freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Call for an End to Military Escalation

The Security Council called on the Houthis to immediately end their military escalation and attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

UN officials have warned that the fighting and Houthi advances along Yemen's western coast are increasing concerns over the security of the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The UN has stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and preventing further regional escalation.

The Council also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its inherent right to self-defence under international law.

Yemen's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The renewed fighting has further worsened Yemen's already severe humanitarian situation.

According to UN briefings, at least 125,000 people have been displaced inside Yemen since the beginning of September, while more than 22 million people across the country are estimated to need humanitarian assistance.

UN agencies have also reported civilian casualties and growing difficulties in delivering humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

The United Nations said on September 18 that 73 UN personnel remained arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities, alongside personnel from humanitarian organisations, civil society groups and diplomatic missions. The UN has repeatedly called for their immediate and unconditional release.

Security Council Urges Political Solution

The Council stressed that lasting peace in Yemen cannot be achieved through force or coercion.

Members reaffirmed their support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and his efforts to facilitate an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement.

The Council urged all parties to cooperate constructively with UN-led efforts, protect civilians and ensure full, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.

The latest escalation has raised wider concerns because the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb are strategically important maritime corridors connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. Continued instability in the area could have consequences for regional security, international shipping and global trade.

Aalimi Nation | International Desk