The Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin (L) sits with representatives from Spain and United Kingdom after vote in United Nations Security Council attempting to halt the escalating conflict in Yemen, New York, Tuesday, April 14, 2015. [Photo: CFP/Lucas Jackson]

A Saudi military spokesman has welcomed the UN Security Council resolution on Yemen, saying that diplomatic and military pressure is needed to achieve peace.

The Security Council has voted to impose an arms embargo on Yemen's Houthi rebels and their allies.

The sanctions also target former president Ali Abdullah Saleh and his son, who are said to be helping support the rebels.

They will face a global asset freeze and a travel ban.

Saudi military spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed Asiri has applauded the decision.

"The Security Council listed him among those to face punishment, including him with his father who was singled out earlier, and the international community recognizes their danger to the Yemeni nation."

Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition of Gulf and Arab states in fighting the rebels.

China's permanent UN representative, Liu Jieyi, says the resolution is extremely important for restoring stability in Yemen.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi fighters have condemned the resolution, calling on Yemeni people to protest the embargo.

Houthi fighters swept into the capital Sanaa in September and have since tried to expand their control across Yemen, which is also battling Al-Qaida's local branch.