The UN Security Council has called on Yemen’s Houthi rebels to immediately stop all cross-border and maritime attacks. The appeal was issued on Friday as the Council urged member states to strengthen efforts to enforce the existing arms embargo on the group.
During deliberations on a resolution to renew sanctions against the Houthis, Council members strongly condemned the group’s continued assaults. The resolution also demanded an end to “all actions, including attacks on infrastructure and civilians.”
The proposal was adopted by a vote of 13–0, with permanent members China and Russia abstaining. Targeted sanctions have now been extended until 14 November 2026, covering nearly 10 individuals—most of them senior Houthi leaders. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans, while the entire group has also been brought under sanction.
The renewed restrictions may apply to those involved in launching ballistic or cruise missiles from Yemeni territory, as well as attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The Security Council urged member states to “increase efforts to prevent the smuggling of weapons and related materiel by land or sea” to ensure full implementation of the embargo.
The Houthis, who have controlled Sana’a and large parts of northern Yemen for more than a decade, have repeatedly targeted commercial ships. After Israel’s 7 October 2023 assault on Gaza, the group intensified missile and drone attacks on Israel and vessels it claims are linked to it, framing the assaults as acts of solidarity with Palestinians.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, AFP.