Bahrain reiterated its condemnation of the escalation by the Houthi militia, describing it as a clear violation of the truce and an increasing threat to the security of Yemen and the wider region.
The statement was delivered by Bahrain’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jamal Fares Al Ruwaie, at the United Nations Security Council’s second emergency session, convened at the request of Bahrain, France, the UK, Latvia and Greece, and in the presence of Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Mr Al Ruwaie stated that these threats stem from the militia’s continued destabilising actions, which undermine regional security and stability and pose a growing threat to regional and international peace and security.
“The Houthis have seized Al Mocha and extensive areas of Yemen’s western coast, as well as the Red Sea islands of Perim (Mayun), Hanish and Zuqar. These developments threaten the security of navigation and the safety of international waterways in the Bab Al Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, while exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Yemen and forcing growing numbers of civilians to flee the fighting at a time when the Yemeni people are already facing an acute humanitarian crisis.
“These attacks have targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, including in Al Tuwal Governorate in the Jazan region and the cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, resulting in civilian injuries and material damage to homes and a mosque,” the statement pointed out.
Mr Al Ruwaie affirmed Bahrain’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the legitimate government of Yemen, as well as its support for the legitimate measures undertaken to protect their security and safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of these repeated attacks and threats.
In a related context, the Permanent Representative warned that, despite repeated condemnations by the Security Council, the Houthi militia continues its arbitrary detention of UN personnel, civil society workers, and members of diplomatic missions. He also noted that the militia continues to threaten freedom of navigation, disrupt vital maritime trade routes, and launch repeated attacks against countries in the region, placing civilians and civilian infrastructure at risk.
He emphasised that the international community has yet to take sufficiently firm and deterrent measures in response to this ongoing conduct by the Houthi group. He called on the Security Council to adopt a more resolute approach, stressing that the militia has squandered opportunities for confidence-building, obstructed efforts towards peace, and continued to contribute to regional instability.
Mr Al Ruwaie called for the full and effective implementation of the arms embargo imposed under relevant Security Council resolutions and for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent the transfer of weapons, components and related materiel to the Houthis.
He reaffirmed Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to supporting the achievement of comprehensive and sustainable peace in Yemen. He reiterated Bahrain’s support for the legitimate Yemeni government and the UN Special Envoy for Yemen in their efforts to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement that fulfils the aspirations of the Yemeni people and preserves Yemen’s unity, sovereignty and independence.
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