Pakistan has expressed concern over the emerging situation in Yemen and strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, with its UN representative Asim Iftikhar reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Riyadh’s sovereignty, security and defensive measures.
Addressing a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen, Iftikhar said Houthi attacks in the Bab al-Mandab violate international law, threaten freedom of navigation and could have an impact on the global economy.
Iftikhar said Pakistan fully supports Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security and backs the defensive measures taken by Riyadh in response to Houthi attacks.
He said Saudi Arabia has the right to take defensive measures against attacks targeting the country.
The Pakistani representative also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had spoken with the Saudi Crown Prince a day earlier. According to Iftikhar, the prime minister condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia during the conversation.
Houthi attacks threaten freedom of navigation
Iftikhar warned that the situation extends beyond the immediate security concerns of Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
He said Houthi attacks in the Bab al-Mandab constitute a violation of international law and pose a threat to freedom of navigation through a strategically important maritime route.
The Pakistani representative further warned that continued disruption in the Bab al-Mandab could affect the global economy, given the importance of the waterway to international shipping and trade.
Yemen calls for action against Houthis
The Yemeni representative at the Security Council called on the international community to take action against the Houthis and stop the group from further escalating tensions. He said the Security Council must condemn the Houthis’ escalation and called for measures to halt the supply of weapons to the group.
The Yemeni representative also urged the international community to prevent the Houthis from arming themselves, stressing the need for steps to stop the flow of weapons to the group.
According to the Yemeni representative, Houthi attacks have resulted in the killing and displacement of Yemeni civilians.
He said the Houthis’ advancing offensive poses a serious threat to regional security and called for international support for efforts to restore state authority in Yemen.
“We will restore state authority in Yemen,” the Yemeni representative said, adding that the international community must support those efforts.
UK backs Saudi Arabia and condemns attacks
The British representative at the UN said the Houthis must be kept within their limits and stated that the group has Iran’s support.
The British delegate also reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia, saying, “We stand with Saudi Arabia” and that Britain stands firmly with Riyadh.
The British representative condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, adding to calls for the protection of the kingdom amid the latest escalation.
Bahrain calls for strict arms embargo
The Bahraini delegate strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly attacks targeting civilian areas.
Bahrain called for the strict enforcement of the arms embargo on the Houthis, saying the measure must be implemented firmly to prevent the group from obtaining additional weapons.
The Bahraini representative said Houthi actions pose a threat to regional security and urged the international community to adopt a firm stance against the group.
Bahrain reiterated that the arms embargo on the Houthis must be strictly enforced, while calling for stronger international action against the group.
Rising concern over Yemen and regional security
The statements at the UN Security Council reflected growing concern over the latest escalation involving the Houthis, Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
Pakistan’s position, as outlined by Iftikhar, focused on Saudi sovereignty and security, the right to defensive measures, respect for international law and the protection of freedom of navigation.
Yemen, Britain and Bahrain similarly called for stronger international action against the Houthis, including measures targeting the supply of weapons, as concerns grow over the group’s impact on regional security and international maritime routes.
