Key facts
- South Korea condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping.
- Seoul called for stronger UN sanctions to block weapons supplies to the Houthis.
- Attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in casualties.
- Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz was cited as a concern.
South Korea has condemned recent deadly attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting civilian infrastructure and threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea. During a UN Security Council debate on the Middle East on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2026, South Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Cha Ji-hoon called on the council to strengthen sanctions to cut off weapons supplies to the group. Cha warned that the attacks pose serious threats to global peace, maritime security, and energy supplies. The attacks included two strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which killed one person and wounded 11 on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2026, following a Saturday attack that killed 13 and injured over 300. The Seoul foreign ministry also condemned the attacks on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2026. Cha also expressed concern over continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and urged all parties to uphold commitments under the Gaza peace plan.