The Gulf Cooperation Council urged the international community to take a firm stance regarding the Houthi militia’s attacks, warning that assaults targeting Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping could have repercussions for regional security and international navigation. The GCC reaffirmed full solidarity with Riyadh in confronting threats to its security and sovereignty. Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed the statement issued by the United Nations Security Council on August 7, 2026, including its condemnation of the missile attacks launched by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia since July 13, as well as the attacks targeting commercial vessels since July 22. "The GCC states condemn in the strongest terms these repeated Houthi terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which represent a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a direct threat to its security, stability, and territorial integrity," he stated, stressing that targeting commercial vessels and threatening international maritime shipping lanes constitutes a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability. Albudaiwi called on the international community to assume its responsibilities regarding these serious attacks, take a firm international stance to hold the Houthi group accountable for its repeated assaults and violations, as well as work to immediately and urgently halt these aggressions. The secretary-general reiterated the GCC states' full standing and solidarity with Saudi Arabia in confronting everything that threatens its security, sovereignty, and stability, supporting all measures taken to protect its territorial sovereignty and the safety of its citizens and residents. Houthi escalation against Saudi Arabia, shipping The GCC’s statement comes amid a Houthi escalation since July, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels that have raised concerns over regional security and international shipping. Gulf and Arab states have condemned the attacks and backed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its security and sovereignty, while regional and international officials have warned of risks to maritime security and stability. Security Council condemns the attacks In a statement issued on August 7, the UN Security Council condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels, warning that rising tensions in Yemen could undermine peace efforts and threaten international peace and security. They reaffirmed support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, urged the Houthis to avoid escalation and backed UN envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to reach a comprehensive, negotiated political settlement led and owned by Yemenis.
