Post by : Shweta
Saudi Arabia Raises Security Concerns at the UN
Saudi Arabia has warned that Yemen must not become a base for attacks against the Kingdom or threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Speaking at an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on Friday, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, said the Kingdom would take necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and national interests.
Riyadh Reaffirms Its Right to Defend Its Territory
Alwasil said Saudi Arabia would not accept threats to its security or to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend its territory and deter further attacks. His remarks came amid reported attacks on Saudi cities, airports and important infrastructure, which Riyadh has blamed on Yemen’s Houthi movement.
Read more : Saudi-Led Coalition Reports Operations Against Yemen Houthis
Saudi Arabia Calls for a Political Solution
Despite the security concerns, Alwasil said Saudi Arabia continued to support a political settlement to Yemen’s conflict. He accused the Houthis of rejecting diplomatic efforts and choosing military escalation, which he said had obstructed progress towards a comprehensive agreement. Saudi Arabia also reiterated its support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and UN-led peace efforts.
Riyadh Airport Incidents and Regional Security
According to the report, attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday killed three Saudi nationals, including Saudia pilot Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, and injured several others. The incidents reportedly damaged airport facilities and an aircraft belonging to Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, while also disrupting flights. Saudi officials described the incidents as a serious threat to civilian infrastructure and aviation security.
Concerns Over Missiles, Drones and Shipping
Alwasil said attacks involving missiles and drones had reportedly affected several Saudi locations, including Riyadh, Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. He also referred to reported incidents involving Makkah and an electricity distribution station in Madinah. The ambassador warned that continued hostilities could threaten commercial shipping, energy supplies and international trade through the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
Saudi Arabia Calls for Enforcement of UN Resolutions
The Saudi representative urged the Security Council to enforce relevant resolutions, including measures concerning the arms embargo on the Houthis and the protection of freedom of navigation. He also raised allegations of forced displacement, the use of starvation and the recruitment of children by Houthi forces. These allegations were presented as part of Saudi Arabia’s concerns at the meeting.
Saudi Aid to Yemen Exceeds Billions of Dollars
Alwasil highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic and humanitarian support for Yemen. According to his remarks, the Kingdom provided more than $12.6 billion in economic and development assistance between 2012 and 2026, along with over $4.5 billion in humanitarian aid. He also referred to a budget support payment exceeding 224 million Saudi riyals, equivalent to about $59.7 million, announced on October 4. Saudi Arabia said any lasting settlement must protect Yemen’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
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