UN Security Council unanimously extends Houthi sanctions and condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia

The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2837 on Thursday, November 12, 2026, to extend sanctions against the Houthi militia. The resolution demands that the Houthi militia immediately and unconditionally halt all military escalation and attacks. According to the United Kingdom, which submitted the resolution to the Security Council, the measures aim to address ongoing regional instability. The resolution specifically condemns Houthi attacks directed at Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks against civilians, commercial infrastructure, commercial airports, and international maritime navigation.

Sanctions and Oversight Measures

The new resolution extends several measures originally established under Resolution 2140 in 2014. These measures include asset freezes and travel bans on listed individuals and entities, which will now remain in effect until November 14, 2027. In addition to these sanctions, the mandate for the Panel of Experts on Yemen has been extended until December 15, 2027.

To strengthen the monitoring of these activities, the United Nations Secretary-General was requested to increase the number of members on the Panel of Experts to six. This expanded group will include specialists focused on maritime security. The resolution also calls for increased international efforts to prevent the smuggling of arms to Yemen via both land and sea routes. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the necessity of facilitating humanitarian aid and commercial imports into Yemen to support the population.

Regional Response and Political Context

The Arab Parliament issued a statement on Friday, November 13, 2026, welcoming the adoption of the resolution. The Arab Parliament stated that the unanimous adoption of the resolution reflects growing international recognition of the seriousness of Houthi activities. The organization also noted that the resolution is an important step toward unifying international opposition to Houthi terrorist acts.

In its statement, the Arab Parliament expressed formal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the legitimate Yemeni government. The organization maintained that a comprehensive political solution is the only way to end the Yemeni crisis. The resolution seeks to reinforce international consensus regarding the security of the region and the protection of commercial and civilian interests in the area.

Glossary

• Houthi militia — The Houthi militia is an Iran-aligned group in Yemen. They have been involved in fighting against the Saudi-led coalition.
• United Nations Security Council — The United Nations Security Council is an international body. It is an entity that can receive initiatives and resolutions regarding regional stability and international security.
• Resolution 2140 — Resolution 2140 is a Security Council resolution established in 2014. It serves as the basis for measures such as asset freezes and travel bans on listed individuals and entities.
• Panel of Experts on Yemen — The Panel of Experts on Yemen is a group mandated by the Security Council. Its role involves monitoring activities and submitting reports regarding the conflict in Yemen.