The Saudi Foreign Ministry called for full implementation of the Security Council’s statement, issued on October 15. It welcomed the council members’ condemnation of attacks against the kingdom and their support for protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The ministry said the continuing and escalating attacks had targeted civilian sites, airports and energy infrastructure. It also cited threats to shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab waterway.

Council urges action to block military support

The council called for practical cooperation, including with Yemen’s government, to prevent weapons and related equipment from reaching the Houthis. Its appeal also covered technical assistance, training, financing and other support linked to military activities needed to carry out further attacks.

Members stressed the need to implement Security Council Resolution 2216, adopted in 2015, and subsequent resolutions in full. Resolution 2216 calls on the Houthis to stop using violence and withdraw from areas they seized, including Sana’a.

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The resolution also calls for the group to surrender weapons taken from military and security institutions. It demands that the Houthis stop exercising the powers of Yemen’s internationally recognized government and facilitate humanitarian and medical aid to civilians.

Coalition reports missile and drone interceptions

On October 16, the Saudi-led military coalition operating in Yemen reported intercepting missiles and drones over the kingdom and the Red Sea. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said three drones were intercepted and destroyed in the south and the Riyadh region.

He also reported intercepting two cruise missiles over the Red Sea and a ballistic missile over Yanbu. Whether those missiles and drones caused damage or casualties was unclear.

Greek news outlet in.gr reported that Saudi Arabia had faced almost daily attacks by the Yemeni Houthis since early October.

Saudi Arabia restates its defence position

The Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed what it described as the kingdom’s right under international law to defend its security. It said that right included taking measures to protect Saudi citizens and people living in the country.

The statements come during renewed military escalation in Yemen, reported since July, between the Houthis and the government backed by the Saudi-led coalition. That escalation followed a period of relative calm associated with a truce that began in April 2022.