The United Kingdom strongly condemns the Houthis’ decision to resume conflict in Yemen and their continued strikes on Saudi Arabia: UK statement at the UN Secur
The UK condemned Houthi attacks in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging the group to re-engage in peace talks.
The United Kingdom, alongside Bahrain, convened an urgent UN Security Council meeting after the Houthis escalated attacks in Yemen and launched reckless strikes on Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian and energy infrastructure. The UK strongly condemned the resumption of conflict by the Houthis and demanded an immediate halt to all attacks, while offering condolences to victims and expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen. The statement emphasized that the Houthis bear full responsibility for the crisis, warning that their actions undermine regional stability and threaten critical maritime trade routes such as the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb.
The UK highlighted that the Houthis’ renewed offensive in Yemen exacerbates humanitarian suffering, with over 22 million Yemenis requiring assistance and more than 18 million facing acute food insecurity. The statement also condemned the Houthis’ detention of UN and NGO personnel, including 73 detained UN staff, which obstructs humanitarian efforts at a time of severe need. The UK called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel to allow critical aid operations to continue.
The UK reiterated the need for full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 2140 and 2216, emphasizing that Iran’s support for the Houthis continues to fuel instability in Yemen. The statement stressed that all member states must uphold obligations to prevent arms transfers and military support that enable Houthi attacks and undermine regional peace and security.
The UK reaffirmed its support for the UN Special Envoy’s efforts to secure lasting peace in Yemen, urging the Houthis to prioritize the needs of Yemenis by ceasing attacks and re-engaging in the peace process. The statement concluded with a call for the Security Council to deliver a clear message demanding Houthi de-escalation, an end to attacks, and a return to negotiations, with the UK pledging continued collaboration with partners to achieve this goal.