US voices concern over Houthi escalation, condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia

The US strongly condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and airports in Saudi Arabia on Friday, calling on Iran to end its support for the Yemeni group.

"The United States is gravely concerned by the continued escalation by the terrorist Houthis," US deputy envoy to the UN Jeff Bartos told a Security Council meeting.

Bartos cited recent Houthi missile strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as an example of the threat posed by the group.

He accused the Houthis of acting as "instruments" of Tehran, saying their activities undermine regional stability, threaten maritime navigation and “terrorize” civilians.

"We demand that the Houthis cease their attacks against the legitimate governments of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and we demand that Iran cease all support to the Houthis," Bartos said.

"In the face of the Houthi threat, the United States stands firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of Yemen as they defend their sovereignty and work to restore stability," he added.

Bartos reaffirmed Washington's commitment to working with regional and international partners to counter the Houthi threat, protect navigational rights and freedoms, and promote long-term stability across the region.