UN Security Council Approves Resolution Against Houthi Rebels

The United Nations Security Council issued a resolution on Sunday, February 15, calling on the Shia rebels in Yemen to "immediately end their control over the government of this country." According to the Associated Press, this resolution, which was approved by all members of the UN Security Council, demands that the Houthi rebels "immediately and unconditionally" withdraw their forces from government institutions and enter peace negotiations facilitated by the UN. Previously, Gulf Arab states had urged the UN Security Council to take military action against the Houthi rebels under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, as they claimed the Houthis had "illegally seized power." However, the UN Security Council resolution, despite the unanimous support of all 15 members, does not mention military action against the Houthis and does not indicate the implementation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The Shia Houthi rebels currently dominate Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and have placed President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi under house arrest, an action that has drawn criticism from Gulf Arabs and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Mr. Ban emphasized that Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi is the legitimate president of Yemen and must be restored to power. During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Sunday, the British ambassador stated that "the Houthi rebels must take responsibility for their actions and not use violence and threats as political tools." Mark Lyall Grant also stressed that "the world is waiting for a strong response from the UN Security Council." The UN Security Council resolution also calls on the Houthi rebels to release Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and his cabinet members from house arrest. Mr. Hadi resigned from the presidency on January 22 after the Houthi rebels dissolved Yemen's parliament. On Tuesday, Reuters reported that forces loyal to Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi had managed to take control of several important buildings in the southern city of Aden after hours of fighting. In this context, Netanyahu stated that "the Iranian empire is being revived." Saudi Arabia and Western countries evacuated their embassies in Sanaa, and thousands protested against Houthi rule in Yemen. The United States announced on Wednesday that it would "close" its embassy in the Yemeni capital. There are "concerns" among the Gulf monarchies regarding developments in Yemen and the "expansion of Iranian influence."