United Nations Security Council Calls for End to Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping
New York, NY – The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution urging an immediate halt to the attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on shipping in the Red Sea. The resolution also called for the release of the Galaxy Leader, a Japanese-operated vehicle carrier that was commandeered by the rebels on November 19, along with its 25 crew members.
Since the seizure of the Galaxy Leader, the US Central Command reported 26 Houthi strikes on shipping, causing shipping companies to divert around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope and leading to increased journey times and costs.
In a separate incident off the Oman coast, the attack and boarding of the St Nikolas, hours after the resolution was passed, remains unidentified and may potentially be the work of Iranians rather than the Yemeni-based Houthi rebels.
Responding to the escalating attacks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that further assaults could trigger a military response from the Western powers. British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps also emphasized that the continuous attacks on warships and merchant shipping in the southern Red Sea are unacceptable and called for decisive action.
The Houthi rebels, an Iran-aligned group that controls a significant portion of Yemen, have vowed to target ships bound for Israeli ports in support of Hamas in the Gaza conflict. However, many of the attacked vessels have no affiliation with Israel.
The adoption of the resolution by the Security Council came after Russia and China, along with Mozambique and Algeria, chose to abstain from the vote. The resolution noted the violation of an arms embargo against the Houthis and called on all member states to condemn the provision of arms to the group.
Meanwhile, a report from maritime analysis company Windward revealed a significant decrease in shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, one of the vital entrances to the Red Sea, since the Houthis began their attacks. This disruption to maritime commerce could potentially result in higher energy and food prices.
In light of the attacks, the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational naval taskforce, has been guarding commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden against Houthi missile and drone attacks.
The resolution’s endorsement of Operation Prosperity Guardian reaffirms the right of member states to defend their vessels from attack, in line with international law. However, the Houthi spokesperson dismissed the resolution as a political game and accused the US of violating international law.
As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for all parties involved to uphold their obligations and prevent further destabilization in the region. The international community must address the maritime security concerns in the Red Sea to ensure the free flow of trade and safeguard global economic stability.
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