Yemen's Houthis labeled terrorist group by UNSC embargo resolution

The U.N. Security Council imposed an arms embargo on Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis for one year as well as the travel ban and asset freeze against those threatening peace in that country.

The new Security Council resolution also classifies the armed group as terrorist for the first time, something that was already being demanded by several nations due to the vicious drone and missile attacks aimed at neighboring countries.

By the terms of the UN resolution, the Council strongly condemned the cross-border attacks by the Houthi terrorist group, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that struck civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The decision also seeks to limit the capacity of the Houthis and end attacks on international navigational waters, expressing support for a political solution under the auspices of the United Nations, in accordance with the Gulf Initiative, National Dialogue Conference and relevant Security Council resolutions.

Monday’s vote was 11-0, with Ireland, Norway, Brazil and Mexico abstaining amid concerns about the negative impact on the humanitarian situation in the Arab world’s poorest nation.

Several countries welcomed the adoption of resolution, as it aims to limit the capacity of the Houthis, stems escalation of the war, calls for an end to attacks on international navigational waters and seeks to end the suffering of civilians in Yemen and the region.

Media reports and experts point to Iran as the main supplier of weapons and training to the Houthi rebels. The arsenal includes anti-tank guided missiles, sea mines, explosive-laden drones, ballistic and cruise missiles and unmanned maritime vehicles.

Last month, Yemen has seen deadly military escalation triggered by the Houthi offensive against Yemeni city of Marib. The violence resulted in more than 650 civilian casualties, the highest monthly count in more than three years.

The Houthis have also been singled out by various nations and international analysts for alleged abuses and rights violations in the Yemeni war, including those of women and children, a situation in Yemen that was recently described by the UN itself as the worst humanitarian tragedy on the planet.