UN chief: Houthis violate Security Council resolutions

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described attempts by Shia Houthi rebels and their allies in Yemen to control territories by force and to undermine the government’s legitimate authority as a “clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions” and obligations of parties involved in the political process facilitated by the United Nations.

Ban Ki-moon told reporters yesterday in New York: “Since the initial advances by the Houthis, the situation has greatly escalated through the Arab coalition military operation led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the request of President Hadi.”

“Attempts by the Houthis and their allies to take territory by force and undermine the authority of the legitimate government are in clear violation of Security Council resolutions and their commitments in the UN-facilitated political process.”

Ban said: “The coalition air raids – and the continuing attempts by the Houthis and their allied armed groups to expand their power – have turned an internal political crisis into a violent conflict that risks deep and long-lasting regional repercussions.”

Last month, Saudi Arabia began a military operation dubbed “Operation Storm of Resolve” with the participation of several Arab countries against Shia Houthi rebels in Yemen at the request of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.