UN urges Houthis to halt attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping
The UN has called on Houthi forces to stop attacks against Saudi targets and shipping, warning of regional destabilization.
The United Nations has voiced deep concern over recent Houthi attacks on targets inside Saudi Arabia, urging the group to immediately cease hostilities. In a press briefing on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned that such actions could drag Yemen deeper into a broader regional confrontation.
Dujarric noted that the Middle East is already under intense strain, with regional trade and energy flows severely disrupted. He stressed that attacks and threats against commercial shipping must end, and that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden must be preserved.
The UN also called on all parties to honour their obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Dujarric emphasised that de-escalation is essential, and that Yemen's national interests and the welfare of its people must take priority over continued conflict.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg has reportedly reinforced this message in his ongoing engagements with the parties involved, underscoring the urgent need for a halt to violence.