UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Regional Attacks but Omits Recent Escalation Inside Yemen

   The UN Security Council expressed concern over heightened tensions in Yemen but avoided directly addressing recent Houthi attacks in Marib, Hadramawt and Hudaydah.

In a press statement issued on August 7, the Council condemned unauthorised aircraft landings at Sana’a International Airport on July 3 and Hudaydah Airport on July 13, saying they occurred without the Yemeni government’s approval and violated international civil aviation rules.

It also condemned Houthi missile attacks against Saudi Arabia since July 13 and attacks on commercial vessels since July 22, warning that such actions threaten regional security and navigational freedoms, increase the risk of escalation and undermine peace efforts.

However, the statement did not explicitly mention the Houthis’ latest attacks against government forces and other targets inside Yemen, referring only broadly to “heightened tensions.”

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, stressing that all flights to Yemeni airports must be coordinated with and authorised by the internationally recognised government.

It also reiterated the arms embargo under Resolution 2216, urged the Houthis to refrain from further escalation and renewed its support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to achieve an inclusive, Yemeni-led political settlement.