Saudi Arabia, Italy condemn Houthi attacks, call for halt to escalation
New York, Sept. 11 (SANA)Saudi Arabia and Italy have condemned recent Houthi militia attacks onSaudi Arabiaand Yemen’s internationally recognized government, warning that the escalation threatens regional security and international shipping through the Red Sea andBab al-Mandab Strait.
Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Abdulaziz Alwasil, called on theUN Security Councilto take a “clear and firm” stance against Houthi attacks targeting civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran.
Speaking at an emergency Security Council session on the attacks, Alwasil said the escalation posed risks beyond Saudi Arabia, threatening international shipping and trade through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.
He urged the council to ensure the implementation of relevant resolutions and called for an end to support that enables the Houthi militia to continue attacks threatening regional security and international shipping lanes.
Alwasil also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory, citizens, residents and national assets under the UN Charter and international law.
He reiterated Riyadh’s support for Yemen’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for a comprehensive and sustainable Yemeni-led political settlement to the conflict.
Italy separately condemnedHouthi attackson Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognized government, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a statement on X that ending the hostilities had become an urgent priority and stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.
Tajani saidItalywould continue its role in protecting shipping and strengthening maritime security through the European Union naval mission ASPIDES, while expressing solidarity with civilians affected by the attacks.
The Houthi militia has continued attacks on Saudi infrastructure and national assets. Seventy-three civilians, including women and children, were injured in attacks on Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.