Saudi Arabia warns Houthi Attacks threaten Red Sea navigation and Global Trade

Saudi Arabia has formally called for increased international cooperation to protect maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. During a recent United Nations Security Council session, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized that the protection of global trade routes is a shared responsibility that requires a unified global response.

Dr. Al-Wasil highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Houthi attacks, which he stated directly endanger commercial vessels and disrupt critical international supply chains. The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to defending its national security while noting that it has already taken steps to address these challenges, including the establishment of a multinational defensive maritime coalition aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region's vital waterways.

The Saudi representative also used the platform to reiterate the Kingdom’s support for a sustainable political solution to the conflict in Yemen. By calling for de-escalation, Saudi officials aim to address the root causes of the instability that has allowed for the targeting of maritime traffic. The statement underscores the growing concern among regional powers regarding the impact of the Yemeni crisis on global economic stability and the security of international shipping lanes.