UN Security Council Hears Saudi Rebuke of Houthi Blockade Claims, Maritime Attacks

Saudi Arabia on Thursday dismissed Houthi claims of a blockade on Yemeni ports and airports as “false” and part of a misinformation campaign, while urging the international community to enforce UN resolutions safeguarding Yemen and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Addressing a UN Security Council session on the peaceful settlement of disputes, Saudi diplomat Faisal Meshari T. Almadi said rising regional tensions highlighted the urgent need for dialogue, diplomacy and stronger international mediation to preserve global peace and security.

Almadi reaffirmed Riyadh’s support for a political solution to the Yemen conflict, saying Saudi Arabia has backed all UN-led peace initiatives, including a roadmap endorsed by Yemen’s internationally recognised government. He accused the Houthis of rejecting the plan and pursuing a regional agenda that has worsened the humanitarian crisis.

Calling for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2216 and 2722, Almadi stressed the need to protect international shipping through the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and uphold freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Rejecting Houthi allegations of a blockade, he said more than 300 commercial vessels carrying food, fuel, construction materials and other essential goods entered the Yemeni ports of Hodeidah, Saleef and Ras Isa during the first half of the year. He also claimed the Houthis had repeatedly refused proposals, including a Jordanian initiative, to resume flights from Sanaa International Airport.

Almadi further accused the Houthis of causing the closure of Sanaa airport, destroying a Yemenia aircraft and threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He described attacks on merchant vessels as violations of international law that amount to maritime piracy, warning that failure to deter such actions would undermine regional stability and global maritime security.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its commitment to working with the United Nations and international partners to promote peace, stability and prosperity across the Middle East.