Yemen’s Houthis renew strikes on Saudi Arabia as UNSC extends sanctions
Yemen's Houthis have renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting oil infrastructure and military assets, as the UN Security Council unanimously agreed to extend sanctions on the Iran-allied group for another year.
Saudi-led coalition forces announced they intercepted suspected Houthi drones over Saudi Arabia's Riyadh region and Eastern Province on Thursday. The attacks come as the UN Security Council unanimously voted to extend sanctions on the Iran-allied Houthi group for one more year, including freezing assets and enforcing travel bans.
Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, confirmed the interceptions in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for targeting oil infrastructure and military assets in the kingdom.
Oil Infrastructure Targeted
Saree stated that the Houthis targeted a pumping station on the East-West Pipeline with a drone and the Yanbu oil facility on the Red Sea. Riyadh has rerouted about 4 million barrels of crude per day via this pipeline, equivalent to approximately 4 percent of global supply.
The Houthi spokesperson also claimed they targeted a military cargo plane at Sharurah airport near Yemen's border and that a ballistic missile launched toward Khamis Mushait airbase scored a direct hit.
Military Operations Continue
Saudi-backed coalition forces continue confronting the Houthis across all frontlines, targeting leaders, vehicles, reinforcements, weapons and positions. Yemen's Defence Ministry, citing the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, stated the battle against the Houthis was moving toward its 'desired objectives'.
A meeting in Yemen's Marib governorate discussed ongoing operations and ways to enhance coordination between military units involved in the Dawn of Yemen offensive. The UN Security Council demanded an end to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia while calling on all parties to refrain from escalatory actions.
Humanitarian Crisis
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported more than 333,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since August, including over 24,000 in the past week. Civilians continue to face severe consequences as violence damages health facilities, forces families from their homes, and hinders humanitarian work.
Saudi Arabia is pressing the European Union to designate the Ansar Allah Houthi movement as a 'terrorist organisation,' though European officials express concern this could undermine future peace efforts. The UNSC emphasized that sanctions measures shall not apply to humanitarian assistance or supplies for basic civilian needs.
Related
