In an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Gulf countries reacted to the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calling this action a direct threat to regional security. Jamal Al-Ruwaie, Bahrain's ambassador to the UN, stated at the meeting: "These ongoing attacks represent a serious escalation and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region and its people."
Challenge to Maritime Security and Global Trade
Al-Ruwaie also referred to the threats posed by the Houthis against maritime security and freedom of navigation, describing them as "a clear challenge to the international community" that endangers the lives of ships, their crews, and global trade. He emphasized the need for decisive action from the international community, especially the Security Council, against these violations and called for accountability for the violators and their supporters.
The Houthis seized control of the strategic port city of "Mokha" in Yemen on Thursday, located about 80 kilometers from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is recognized as a global trade artery. Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, also warned at this meeting that Yemen and the region are at risk of entering a prolonged war and larger conflicts.
International Concerns and the Need to Focus on Yemen
Grundberg expressed concern that this renewed war is a warning for all of us, stating: "This effectively marks the end of the relative calm that Yemen has experienced for over four years since the UN-brokered truce." He also emphasized the need for active attention to Yemen from Security Council members, adding: "Yemen must not fall off the Security Council's radar. This country requires the active investment of each member of this body to prevent the emergence of a much more dangerous conflict."
