UN Security Council demands withdrawal of Houthis from UAE embassy in Yemen

The UN Security Council on Wednesday demanded all Houthi elements to withdraw from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy in Sana'a, Yemen.

In a press statement released here, the 15-nation body condemned in the strongest terms the storming and seizure of the UAE premises by the Houthis on Monday.

The council members recalled the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, and the obligations on host governments to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises against any intrusion or damage, said the statement.

Also on Monday, fighters loyal to exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi recaptured the presidential palace in Yemen's third largest city Taiz, widening a series of conquests in battles against Shiite Houthi rebels.

More than three weeks ago, Hadi's forces, backed by elite troops and armored vehicles from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, launched a number of offensives that led to the capture of Aden, Lahj, al-Dhalea and Abyan provinces.

The Arab coalition has been engaged in a war against the Houthis since late March to restore Hadi's legitimacy. The exiled government announced on July 17 that Saudi-backed fighters have taken full control of the southern port city of Aden after nearly five months of battles with Shiite Houthi rebels.

Hadi was ousted by the Shiite Houthi group who has controlled the capital Sanaa since last September. He fled to Aden in late February after weeks of house arrest, and has been taking refuge with his cabinet in the Saudi capital Riyadh since March 26. Endit