Security Council Calls for Immediate Halt to Houthi Attacks in Red Sea

The United Nations Security Council called for an immediate cessation of Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea through a resolution.

In recent weeks and months, commercial vessels suspected of being connected to Israel or destined for Israel have been attacked by Houthis in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Houthi semi-military group has so far carried out more than 25 attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea.

The United Nations Security Council, noting that the maritime attacks in question have endangered a waterway through which 12 percent of global trade passes, announced the adoption of a resolution prepared by the United States and Japan regarding the immediate cessation of these attacks.

Prior to voting, the Security Council rejected three proposed amendments submitted by Russia in the draft resolution, which led Russia to abstain from voting, allowing the Security Council to pass the resolution condemning the attacks. The resolution was ultimately adopted by a majority vote of 11 members with 4 abstentions in the Security Council.

In the resolution, the Security Council called on the Houthis to immediately cease attacks that obstruct international commerce, freedom of navigation, and peace and security in the region.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. representative to the Security Council, stated regarding these attacks: “Iran sends advanced weapons, including drones and missiles, to the Houthis and seeks to enable the Houthi semi-military group to carry out attacks in the Red Sea.”

The British representative also said in the Security Council about the attacks: “We will not stand idle in the face of threats posed by Houthi semi-militias against ships.”

Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea prompted the United States to establish a multinational maritime coalition comprising 21 countries to protect shipping in the Red Sea.