UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia.

In a presidential statement issued on Thursday, the council noted that civilian aviation and energy infrastructure had been targeted.

Member states demanded that the Houthis immediately halt their ongoing military activities in Yemen. They expressed serious concern over attacks and threats against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb waterway.

The statement called for ensuring the safety of ships and crews and for upholding UN conventions on maritime law. The council also said freedom of navigation along sea routes must be maintained.

Riyadh's main airport has been repeatedly targeted by attacks over the past week. Missiles and drones fired by the Houthis have reached Saudi airports, oil refining centers and pipelines.

According to published reports, Saudi Arabia's defense spending stands at around $83 billion. It procures advanced fighter jets and missile defense systems from the United States and modern weapons from Europe.

According to American broadcaster CNN, Saudi Arabia's vast geography and threats arriving from all directions have made it difficult to stop such attacks.