United Nations, Aug. 29, 2019, SPA -- The UN Security Council condemned "in the strongest terms" on Thursday the escalation of Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and called on the militias "to cease such attacks immediately and without advance conditions." In a statement, approved by all 15 Council members, the Security Council said such attacks, which caused fatalities and injuries among civilians and jeopardized their well-being, constitute grave threats to the national security of the Kingdom and the entire region as well as to the political process which is led by the United Nations. The Council reiterated its full support for the efforts being exerted by the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffith, calling for cooperation with him in a constructive and continuous way to help him achieve the UN goals in Yemen. The Security Council lauded the strenuous efforts the UN envoy is exerting to implement Stockholm arrangement to reach a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. The statement expressed profound concern on the escalation of violence and the losses in humans and materials in Aden, Sanaa, Shabwa, and other parts of Yemen, calling on all parties to be committed to their obligations according to the international humanitarian laws, including the guarantee to protect civilians, particularly children and facilitate the access of humanitarian organizations. The Security Council noted the recent developments in South Yemen, citing attempts to seize the State's institutions using violence, calling on all parties to observe self-constraint and protect regional safety of Yemen. The Council also welcomed and fully supported the efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia for a dialogue on Yemen in Jeddah to resolve the crisis. The Security Council also underscored the importance of accelerating steps to put Al-Hodeidah agreement in force, calling for free movement of UN mission personnel and equipment without any obstacles. --SPA 22:23 LOCAL TIME 19:23 GMT 0022 www.spa.gov.sa/w1163201