Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Draw UN and GCC Condemnation Amid Current Wars in the World
UN and Gulf Cooperation Council leaders have condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia that targeted civilian objects and energy infrastructure, as the Iran-aligned group escalates its campaign including strikes near Riyadh that produced visible smoke plumes in the setting of current wars in the world. [1]
UN and GCC Condemn Houthi Strikes on Saudi Arabia
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stated that targeting civilian objects threatens regional peace and security. [1] The condemnation from both leaders focused on the risks posed to stability across the region by such actions against civilian objects. [1]
Smoke Plume Rises Near Riyadh Airport After Overnight Alerts
Saudi civil defence issued overnight alerts for potential aerial attacks in Riyadh and Al-Kharj before issuing an all-clear; booms were heard and a large plume of smoke was visible near Riyadh's main airport with flames near fuel tanks. [5] Reuters video and photographs showed a huge pillar of black smoke rising in the area, with the airport highway, main terminal building and other facilities in the foreground. [5] At one point flames were visible rising from behind what appeared to be fuel tanks. [5] A Reuters journalist in Riyadh's Olaya area heard booms before the all-clear was sent. [5] Although some alerts had been issued in Riyadh this year after the start of the US-Iran war, these were the first since the escalation began with the Houthis in July. [5]
Houthi Claims and Saudi Airstrike Accusations
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the group foiled unspecified criminal attempts in Sanaa blamed on Saudi Arabia and vowed a response; the Houthis say the Saudi Air Force conducted hundreds of airstrikes against them in recent days. [5] On Friday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had foiled unspecified "criminal attempts" in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, blaming Saudi Arabia and vowing a response. [5] The Iran-aligned group, which seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast in a lightning advance this month, says the Saudi Air Force has conducted hundreds of airstrikes against it in recent days. [5]
UN Security Council Statement
The UN Security Council condemned in the strongest terms continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia impacting civilian and energy infrastructure that injured civilians including women and children, and also condemned Houthi military escalation in Yemen. [5] The UN Security Council in a statement on Friday "condemned in the strongest terms continued Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including attacks impacting civilian and energy infrastructure, which have resulted in the injury of civilians, including women and children". [5] In the statement, the Security Council also condemned "Houthi military escalation in Yemen". [5]
Context of Houthi Campaign Since July
Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi cities, energy infrastructure and shipping since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, creating threats to global oil supplies. [5] The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen and much of the north, have been launching attacks against Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, with strikes targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. [5] The attacks have targeted Saudi cities, energy infrastructure and shipping, creating new threats to global oil supplies and putting at risk the main alternative Red Sea route for Gulf exports while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded. [5]
What to watch next: Further statements from the UN Security Council or responses from the Houthis regarding the condemned attacks and escalation.
