New York:Bahrain has strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, including a recent attack on the power distribution station serving the Prophet's Mosque. The attacks are seen as violations of Islam's holiest sites' sanctity.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Bahrain's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jamal Fares Al Rowaiei, addressed the issue during a UN Security Council briefing on Yemen, which was also attended by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg. Ambassador Al Rowaiei criticized the Houthis for continued military escalation in Yemen, which contravenes the ceasefire and has led to the displacement of over 145,000 people while worsening humanitarian conditions.
Ambassador Al Rowaiei emphasized that the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, violations against the Yemeni people, and threats to navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea breach international law and Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024). He condemned missile and drone attacks on civilian airports in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, highlighting the threat to civilians and civil aviation safety.
Bahrain expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, supporting its right to defend sovereignty and security in line with the UN Charter. It reiterated support for Yemen's legitimate government in its efforts to restore authority and stability. Bahrain welcomed the recovery of the Bab el-Mandeb area and surrounding strategic locations by government forces but warned of ongoing threats from Houthi missiles, drones, explosive boats, and naval mines to maritime security.
Bahrain called on the Security Council to take concrete action beyond condemnations to safeguard peace and security in Yemen and the region. It urged the Council to enhance the Yemen sanctions regime during the upcoming review and to close channels through which the Houthis obtain weapons and their components.