Accra:Saudi Arabia has expressed its support for a UN Security Council presidential statement that condemns Houthi attacks within the kingdom and emphasizes the need for cooperation to prevent the group from obtaining weapons.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the statement from Saudi Arabia's ministry welcomed the UN Security Council's condemnation of the ongoing and escalating Houthi attacks targeting airports and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The council also condemned threats to navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.

The statement from the kingdom underscored the importance of implementing Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) and subsequent resolutions. This resolution demands the Houthis cease violence, withdraw from occupied areas like the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and stop exercising powers of Yemen's internationally recognized government. It also calls for the Houthis to hand over weapons taken from military and security institutions and to facilitate humanitarian and medical access to civilians.

Saudi Arabia's ministry reiterated the kingdom's inherent right under international law to take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its citizens and residents. The UN Security Council statement, adopted earlier this week, also called for cooperation, including with the Government of Yemen, to prevent the Houthis from acquiring arms and related materiel.

Yemen has experienced increased military conflict since July between the government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthis, following a truce that began in April 2022. The coalition reported that 19 people were killed and 364 were injured in recent Houthi attacks targeting airports in Saudi Arabia.