Body's Security Council slaps arms embargo on Yemen's Houthi rebels

The United Nations Security Council has placed an arms embargo on Houthi rebels in Yemen.

CNN reports that in addition to the arms embargo, it also demands that the Shiite group pull back and refrain from more violence and includes sanctions aimed at controlling the spread of terrorism.

According to Mark Lyall Grant, Britain's ambassador to the United Nations, the resolution "raises the cost" for the Houthis.

Russia however abstained from the vote, saying it didn't like the inclusion of sanctions.

The Houthi rebels forced Yemeni president, Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi from power in January, though Hadi still claims he is Yemen's legitimate leader and is working with the Saudi Arabia and other allies to return to Yemen.

In light of this, president Hadi reached out to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for military assistance, causing Saudi Arabia to lead a coalition that is conducting airstrikes on targets associated with Saleh's supporters and the Houthis, who have emerged as Yemen's most dominant force in recent months.