UN Security Council Extends Yemen Sanctions, Unanimously Condemns Houthi Attacks

The United Nations Security Council extended its Yemen-related sanctions on Thursday, with every member voting in favor. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans. The Council paired the vote with a statement that it 'strongly condemned' the Houthis' military operations, singling out attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The resolution, submitted by the United Kingdom, demands the militant group 'immediately cease their military escalation and attacks, including those targeting the civilian population and civilian infrastructure, including commercial airports and international maritime transport.' The language puts civilian airports and shipping lanes squarely inside the Council's warning.

The UK welcomed the unanimous approval, saying it shows the Council is prepared to take 'decisive action' against the Houthi rebels. In its statement, the UK pointed to the group's 'reckless attacks' inside Yemen, against Saudi Arabia and across the region.