The United Nations Security Council had demanded Houthi rebels to give up control of Yemen.

The 15-member council unanimously approved a resolution Sunday calling on the Houthis to withdraw immediately and unconditionally.

Before the U.N. resolution was passed, Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam had said the Shi'ite militants will not "cede power in the face of threats."

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A group of Arab states united against the Houthis had earlier called on the United Nations to allow the use of force against the militants' illegitimate takeover of capital Sanaa.

But the resolution adopted by the council cannot be militarily enforced.  The council warned that necessary steps will be taken if the Houthis do not follow.

The resolution also ordered the Shi-ite militants to give up control over Yemen's government buildings and return to the U.N.-led peace negotiations.

The U.N. council also wants the Houthis to release President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and his cabinet from house arrest.

The resolution also called on U.N. member states not to interfere so as not to cause instability or instigate adverse actions.

Last month, the Houthis barricaded the presidential palace and key government installations, which forced the president to resign.

Over a week ago, the militants took control over Yemen and dissolved the parliament.  They formed a presidential council that will take the place of the president for an interim period of two years.

Just last week, the United States, Britain and French embassies pulled out their staff from Yemen citing security reasons.

The United States had also issued a warning to its citizens not to travel to Yemen saying ongoing threats and security instability are matters of great concern.

The U.S. also said, the risk of kidnapping exists in the country, and that fears of terror attacks on Americans and Western families are present.

Tagsyemen, houthi, UN