NEW YORK — The United Kingdom has held the Houthi militia fully responsible for the escalation in Yemen, condemning its continued attacks on Saudi Arabia, the intensification of military operations inside Yemen, and the threats posed to international shipping and regional stability. During a UN Security Council session on Yemen on Tuesday, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Kate Foster stated that the Houthi militia's attacks on Saudi Arabia last night have injured 13 civilians, damaged homes and residential areas, and disrupted commercial aviation. She affirmed her country's solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the government of Yemen, as well as their right to defend their security and sovereignty in accordance with international law. Kate Foster noted that the Houthi militia is seeking to consolidate its control along Yemen's Red Sea coast and around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that this poses a direct threat to one of the world's most important global shipping lanes and to the freedom of navigation upon which the global economy relies. She said more than 126,000 people have been displaced so far due to the escalation, and that number is likely to grow, and highlighted warnings from humanitarian agencies about the situation around Marib, along with growing indicators of food insecurity and health and protection needs, particularly for women and children. Foster expressed her country's concern over reports of increasing harm to civilians, displaced persons, civilian infrastructure, schools, and homes, as well as disruptions to humanitarian aid access. She demanded the immediate and unconditional release of aid workers, UN personnel, and diplomatic staff detained by the Houthi militia. She emphasized that Iran's continued support for the Houthi militia enables attacks that threaten civilians, neighboring countries, maritime security, and prospects for peace. She called upon all member states to fulfill their obligations under UN Security Council resolutions—including Resolutions 2140 and 2216—and to prevent the transfer of weapons and military support to the Houthi militia. The UK reiterated its support for the UN-led peace process, calling on the Houthi militia to halt its attacks, de-escalate tensions, and return towards the pathway to peace. Bulgaria: Meanwhile, Bulgaria strongly condemned the ongoing attacks by the terrorist Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilians and civilian and economic infrastructure. In a statement, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that such attacks are unacceptable and constitute a dangerous escalation that undermines regional security and efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen. The ministry called for an immediate halt to the attacks, respect for international law, and de-escalation. The ministry also expressed solidarity with the Kingdom and support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, inclusive, and lasting peace in Yemen.
