The United Nations Security Council formally condemned persistent Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping lanes, warning that the military escalation threatens broader regional stability and undermines ongoing peace initiatives in Yemen. According to the UN Security Council, the cross-border strikes and unauthorized aircraft landings pose a direct hazard to civilian safety and navigational rights.
Security Council Condemns Attacks and Aviation Violations
The Council also denounced unauthorized aircraft landings by Iranian aircraft at Sana’a International Airport on July 3 and Hodeidah Airport on July 13. Members stated these landings occurred without permission or clearance from the internationally recognized Yemeni government, constituting a direct violation of international civil aviation rules.
The 15-member body reaffirmed its strong commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. Under the adopted positions, all flights destined for Yemeni airports must receive prior authorization from the Yemeni government. Furthermore, the Council underscored the legal necessity of maintaining safe and sustainable air access for humanitarian needs, operating strictly under international law and civil aviation standards.
Regional Security and Arms Embargo Enforcement
The Security Council emphasized the strict application of Resolution 2216, which enforces an arms embargo prohibiting the supply, sale, or transfer of weapons, military technical assistance, and financial support to the Houthis, who are designated entities under the 2140 Sanctions Committee.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reiterated these concerns on Monday, pointing to parallel ground offensives across Yemen. Recent cross-border strikes have also injured civilians in southern Saudi Arabia and disrupted vital energy infrastructure, prompting UN officials to urge immediate military restraint.
Diplomatic Channels and UN Mediation Efforts
Despite mounting military friction, the Security Council urged the Houthi movement to abandon escalation and utilize established diplomatic channels to resolve grievances. Members expressed full backing for UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, supporting his mandate to broker a negotiated, inclusive, and Yemeni-led political settlement aligned with previous Security Council resolutions.
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