Houthis Target Saudi Arabia Amid UN Security Council Sanctions Extension

Saudi-led coalition forces reported intercepting suspected Houthi drones over Saudi Arabia's Riyadh region and Eastern Province on Thursday. This development coincided with the UN Security Council's decision to extend sanctions against the Iran-allied Houthi group. Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, confirmed the interceptions in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for targeting oil infrastructure and military assets within the kingdom. These targets included a pumping station on the East-West Pipeline and the Yanbu oil facility on the Red Sea, both reportedly hit by drones. The East-West Pipeline is crucial for Riyadh, rerouting approximately 4 million barrels of crude per day, which accounts for about 4 percent of global supply.

Saree also asserted that a drone strike hit a military cargo plane at Sharurah airport, near Yemen’s border, and that a ballistic missile launched towards Khamis Mushait airbase achieved a "direct hit." The Houthi spokesperson further alleged that their forces targeted the Saudi Aramco headquarters in Riyadh. However, he dismissed a Saudi claim of the group targeting the Mecca region on Wednesday as a "grave falsehood."

Meanwhile, Saudi-backed coalition forces, supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, stated they are continuing to engage the Houthis on all frontlines, focusing on leaders, vehicles, reinforcements, weapons, and positions. Yemen’s Defence Ministry, referencing the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, indicated that the offensive against the Houthis is progressing towards its "desired objectives," according to Yemen’s official pro-government Saba news agency. A meeting convened by the Defence Ministry in Marib governorate discussed ongoing operations and strategies to enhance coordination among military units involved in the "Dawn of Yemen" offensive.

UN Security Council Extends Sanctions

On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously approved a one-year extension of Yemen-related sanctions. These measures include asset freezes and travel bans, and the resolution demands an end to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The mandate for the UN Panel of Experts on Yemen, responsible for recommendations, was also extended.

UNSC members urged "all parties to refrain from escalatory actions and to resolve differences and disputes through negotiation," while reaffirming their support for the territorial integrity of both Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The resolution explicitly condemns "the military escalation by the Houthis, their maritime and cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia, and their threats to commercial shipping vessels." The UNSC clarified that sanctions measures "shall not apply to humanitarian assistance or supplies for basic needs of civilians, without negatively affecting legitimate trade activities."

Ambassador Fu Cong, China’s envoy to the UN, remarked that council sanctions are "merely a means, not an end in themselves," expressing hope for a swift de-escalation in Yemen.

Humanitarian Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 333,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since early August, with more than 24,000 displaced in the past week alone. OCHA highlighted that civilians "continue to pay a heavy price as violence damages health facilities, forces families from their homes, and hinders the work of humanitarians."

Separately, Reuters reported, citing sources, that Saudi Arabia is urging the European Union to designate the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) as a "terrorist organisation." However, European officials expressed concerns to Reuters that such a designation could jeopardize future peace processes. Anouar El-Anouni, the EU foreign policy spokesperson, confirmed regular contact with Riyadh on regional developments but declined to comment on specific ongoing discussions.