Britain condemned what it called the Houthis’ “dangerous escalation” of the fighting and said the group’s recent attacks have intensified the war, increased civilians’ suffering, and pushed the prospect of peace further away.

The deputy permanent representative of Britain to the United Nations, in a speech at the Security Council, said the Houthis’ attacks on ships, civilians and vital infrastructure threaten regional security, maritime navigation and global energy security.

Kait Foster, after expressing condolences over the attack on the international airports of Abha and King Khalid, said: “Britain stands with the Government of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against these attacks.”

She added that the two countries have the right to defend their security and sovereignty based on international law.

Foster said that since the escalation of the fighting in Shahrivar, 479 civilians have been killed or injured and more than 200,000 people have been displaced.

She called for stronger implementation of the UN sanctions regime and said weapons and dual-use items continue to reach areas under the Houthis’ control, which violates decisions of the Security Council.