The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed strong discontent regarding the ongoing assaults by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi fighters on Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its commitment to back the kingdom. This stance was articulated following a recent meeting of foreign ministers from the GCC nations, which include Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), held in Manama, Bahrain.
Support for Saudi Arabia Amidst Threats
In a unified statement, the GCC emphasized that any attack on one member state poses a threat to all six, activating a collective defense agreement. This declaration underlines the organization’s determination to uphold Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defense. The GCC’s firm response coincided with reports of Saudi-led military efforts that successfully intercepted Houthi drones targeting the capital, Riyadh, and other regions in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The coalition announced the downing of two drones early Sunday and noted that another drone was intercepted in proximity to the capital shortly before. The ministers also criticized the Houthis for their attacks on civilian targets, including airports and essential infrastructure, which poses a significant risk to regional security.
Calls for Enhanced International Action
In response to the escalating violence, GCC ministers urged for stricter enforcement of a United Nations arms embargo on the Houthis. They appealed to the international community to categorize the group as a “terrorist organization.” These calls were echoed in a statement from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which condemned the Houthi assaults on Saudi Arabia, as well as threats to maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
The internationally recognized government of Yemen also reached out to the UNSC, requesting decisive action against Houthi attacks targeting civilian residences and government facilities, including a recent assault on the presidential palace in Aden. The government remains under pressure as it endeavors to regain control over territories lost to the Houthi movement.
Ongoing Military Operations and Their Impact
On the ground, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces continue military offensives in various regions. Reports indicate that the Houthis have launched missile strikes towards the strategic city of Marib, while government troops made progress in Taiz, located further south. Casualty reports from recent clashes indicate ongoing violence, with the Yemeni military stating that eight soldiers lost their lives in Lahij province.
The conflict has led to significant loss of life, with government forces claiming to have killed a number of Houthi fighters. This latest phase of the conflict follows prior territorial gains by the Houthis along the Red Sea coast, prompting a counteroffensive by government forces aimed at reclaiming territory lost since the Houthis took control of Sanaa in 2014.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing fighting has resulted in the displacement of over 233,000 individuals, according to the International Organization for Migration. Taiz province faces severe disruptions to supply routes, leaving approximately 121,000 displaced residents in dire circumstances. Reports from the area highlight critical shortages of cooking gas and food supplies, which have become increasingly scarce as Houthi forces block access.
Local sources indicate that food prices have soared, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The World Health Organization warns that hospitals in Taiz are severely under-resourced, with only a few days’ worth of fuel available and critical surgical supplies exhausted. Amidst this turmoil, oxygen and essential medications are in short supply, complicating the city’s struggle against a cholera outbreak.