Houthi Strikes on Saudi Arabia Continue as UNSC Extends Sanctions

The Saudi-led coalition announced on Thursday that they had intercepted suspected Houthi drones over Riyadh and in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. This development coincided with the UN Security Council's decision to extend sanctions on the Iran-aligned Houthi group. According to Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the coalition, the interceptions were reported via the Saudi Press Agency.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that their attacks targeted oil infrastructure and military assets, including a drone strike on a pumping station along the East-West Pipeline and the Yanbu oil facility on the Red Sea. The East-West Pipeline has been redirected to handle around 4 million barrels of crude oil daily, representing about 4% of the global supply. Saree also mentioned a drone attack on a military cargo plane at Sharurah airport near Yemen's border and a successful ballistic missile strike on Khamis Mushait airbase.

In addition to these claims, Saree indicated that the group attempted to hit the Saudi Aramco headquarters in Riyadh, while denying that they targeted the Mecca region. Coalition forces, supporting Yemen's recognised government, continue to engage the Houthis across various fronts, targeting leaders, vehicles, and weaponry. The Yemeni Defence Ministry stated that the campaign against the Houthis is progressing towards its goals, as reported by the pro-government Saba news agency.

A meeting in Marib discussed strategies to enhance coordination among military units involved in the "Dawn of Yemen" offensive. The UN Security Council unanimously approved a one-year extension of sanctions related to Yemen, including asset freezes and travel bans, while insisting that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia cease. The mandate of the UN Panel of Experts on Yemen was also extended, with UNSC members urging all parties to avoid escalatory actions and settle disputes through negotiation.

The UN Security Council resolution condemned the Houthis' military escalation and cross-border attacks while reaffirming support for Saudi and Yemeni territorial integrity. The resolution clarified that sanctions should not affect humanitarian assistance or vital supplies for civilians. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that over 333,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since August, including more than 24,000 in the past week.

Saudi Arabia is encouraging the European Union to classify the Houthi movement as a "terrorist organisation." However, EU officials expressed concern that this designation could jeopardise future peace negotiations. EU foreign policy spokesperson Anouar El-Anouni confirmed ongoing communication with Riyadh regarding regional matters but withheld comments on specific discussions.

The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic impacts. The UN's efforts to extend sanctions and urge de-escalation aim to mitigate these effects. The situation remains complex, with multiple parties involved and a fragile peace process. The international community continues to monitor developments and seek a resolution to the conflict.

Key points

• The UN Security Council extended sanctions on the Houthi group for another year.
• The Houthi group claimed responsibility for several attacks on Saudi Arabian targets.
• The conflict has resulted in over 333,000 displaced people in Yemen since August.