G7 Condemns Houthi Strikes as Rebels Shoot Down Saudi Drone

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven and the European Union issued a joint statement during the United Nations General Assembly condemning continued Houthi strikes against Saudi Arabia and civilian infrastructure. The G7 characterized the attacks as an unacceptable threat to global energy security and maritime safety in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The ministers demanded an immediate halt to military operations and urged Iran to stop providing arms and military support in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The diplomatic pressure follows a surge in violence that has displaced tens of thousands of civilians in Yemen, with over 2,000 fleeing to Djibouti. Recent Houthi attacks on Saudi cities and energy facilities in Yanbu and Riyadh have injured 73 people and caused fires at oil installations, prompting vows of retaliation from the Saudi government.

Amidst this escalation, the Houthis claimed on Wednesday to have shot down a Chinese-made Wing Loong II armed reconnaissance drone over Mocha in the Taiz Governorate. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the drone belonged to Saudi Arabia and was carrying out hostile missions. The group described these actions as responses to Saudi attempts to target Sana'a.