The Houthis bear full responsibility for the escalation in Yemen: UK statement at the UN Security Council

The United Kingdom condemned overnight Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia that injured 13 civilians, damaged homes, and disrupted commercial flights, attributing full responsibility for the escalation to the Houthis. The statement highlighted Houthi efforts to consolidate control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which threatens a critical global shipping route and freedom of navigation. The UK noted the humanitarian toll is severe, with more than 126,000 people displaced and growing food insecurity, particularly around Marib where large displaced populations already reside. The UK also expressed deep concern over reports of civilian harm, disrupted humanitarian access, and the unacceptable detention of humanitarian, UN, and diplomatic personnel by the Houthis.

The UK reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen’s right to defend their security and sovereignty in line with international law, while standing in solidarity with both governments against the Houthi attacks. It emphasized that the escalation did not occur in isolation, pointing to Iran’s longstanding support for the Houthis as enabling attacks that threaten civilians, neighboring states, and maritime security. The UK called on all member states to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions, including measures to prevent arms transfers to the Houthis. The UK underscored the need for strict adherence to obligations under Resolutions 2140 and 2216 to curb military support reaching the Houthis.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to the UN-led peace process and the work of Special Envoy Grundberg, stressing that progress toward peace is impossible while the Houthis continue military offensives, attacks on Saudi Arabia, threats to international shipping, and obstruction of humanitarian action. It called for the immediate and unconditional release of detained personnel, including humanitarian workers, UN staff, and diplomatic mission members held by the Houthis. The UK demanded the Houthis cease all attacks, de-escalate immediately, and return to the pathway to peace to restore stability and protect civilians.

The UK warned that the humanitarian consequences of Houthi actions are worsening, with rising food insecurity, increased health and protection needs—especially for women and children—and further disruption of humanitarian access preventing aid from reaching vulnerable populations. It highlighted the particular strain around Marib, which already hosts one of Yemen’s largest displaced populations, and expressed deep concern over reports of civilian harm to protected sites such as schools, homes, and other infrastructure. The UK also condemned the Houthis’ continued detention of humanitarian, UN, and diplomatic personnel as unacceptable and called for their immediate release.