The Security Council Condemns the Houthi Attack on the Yemeni Presidential Palace

On Tuesday, January 30, the United Nations Security Council condemned the attack by Houthi rebels on the Yemeni presidential palace and expressed its "strong support" for President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. According to the French news agency, 15 members of the Security Council stated in a statement that "Mansur Hadi is the legitimate president of the country and all factions must stand by him, Prime Minister Khaled Bahah, and the government to put the country on the path to stability and security." The Security Council called for an "immediate ceasefire and a return to peace negotiations." Jamal Benomar, the UN special envoy who visited Sana'a, Yemen's capital, reported to the Security Council that the Houthi Shiites had launched a "wide-ranging attack using heavy weapons" on the presidential palace. The Houthis, who are supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, have intensified their attacks on the Yemeni capital since October of this year and have gained control over a significant portion of it. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, also expressed "serious concern" over the developments in Yemen and called for an immediate ceasefire in the country. Simultaneously with the Security Council meeting, the leader of the Houthi Shiites in Yemen, in a televised speech, stated that if the country's president delays in implementing the provisions of the peace agreement, which is "supported by the UN," the situation will become "worse." According to the Associated Press, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said on Tuesday evening that "all options are on the table" and if Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi does not expedite the implementation of the peace agreement, the deterioration of the situation will have "no ceiling." The Houthi attack on the presidential palace occurred while both sides were negotiating the composition of an 85-member committee that, according to the draft constitution of Yemen, is supposed to draft the laws for the federal system of the country. This report indicates that the mentioned agreement will guarantee the Shiite Houthis a greater share of power in the country. In his televised speech in response to the Security Council meeting, the Houthi leader said: "Any action taken to force the country to surrender will not be beneficial for you." He stated that he is "ready to confront any action by the Security Council" and will "bear the consequences of it." The Security Council imposed sanctions in November of last year on two Houthi commanders, as well as Ali Abdullah Saleh, the former president of Yemen, who is accused of supporting the rebels. Saleh currently lives outside Yemen.