USA: UN approves arms embargo against Yemeni Houthi fighters

The United Nations Security Council voted to impose an arms embargo on Yemen's Shiite Houthi fighters and allies including former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and his son, during a meeting in New York, Tuesday. The arms embargo was approved by a 14-0 vote, with Russia abstaining. Russian Representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin explained that not all of Moscow's proposals had been included in the resolution. Moscow had suggested an all-inclusive arms embargo on all parties in the Yemeni conflict, but the proposal was rejected as an amendment to the final draft. Yemeni U.N. ambassador Khaled Alyemany, in his remarks, also urged Houthi rebels to stop "bullying and rebelling against the constitutional legitimacy" and "commit" to the security resolution passed. The passage of the resolution comes as instability mounts in the country with 18 out of the 22 provinces in the country now affected by the ongoing conflict. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that at least 643 people have died in the conflict so far, many of whom are thought to be children. It is feared however that the actual figure is much higher. Over 2,000 people have also been injured and it is estimated that tens of thousands have been displaced since the Saudi-led airstrikes began on 26 March.