And freedom of navigation in vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea

United Nations Expresses Serious Concern Over Threats Posed by Houthi Militia Against the Kingdom

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, expressed the organization's grave concern over the new threats posed by the Houthi terrorist militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and freedom of navigation in vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea, warning of the risk of wider regional escalation.

He stated that the United Nations is also deeply concerned about the return of hostilities and renewed escalation across wide areas of the region, stressing that immediate de-escalation is essential.

He said: "All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law," reiterating the UN's call for all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

He added: "Any disruption to navigation in the Red Sea will affect the flow of UN shipments, particularly humanitarian supplies and peacekeeping operation essentials," warning that the broader impact would be on global trade, energy trade, and commerce in general.

Dujarric pointed out that these developments come at a time when the world is already experiencing the impact of the near-complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its resulting repercussions on the global economy.