Washington, Sept. 16 (SANA)TheUnited Kingdomheld theHouthi militiaresponsible for the escalation in Yemen, condemning continued attacks onSaudi Arabia, increased military operations inside Yemen, and threats tointernational navigationand regional stability.

During a UN Security Council session on Yemen on Tuesday, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kate Foster said Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia the previous night injured 13 civilians, damaged homes and residential areas, and disrupted commercial air traffic.

She affirmed Britain’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government, stressing their right to defend their security and sovereignty in accordance with international law.

The United Kingdom reiterated its support for the UN-led peace process, calling on the Houthis to stop attacks, reduce escalation and return to the path of peace.

It also called for an end to continued Iranian support for the Houthi militia, saying such support contributes to attacks that threaten civilians, neighboring countries, maritime security and prospects for peace.

Foster said attempts by the Houthi militia to control parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and areas around the Bab al-Mandab Strait threaten one of the world’s key shipping routes and freedom of navigation relied upon by the global economy.

Earlier, spokesman for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen Brig. Gen. Turki al-Maliki announced that Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the Houthi militia before it entered the airspace of the capital, downing it south of Mecca.