The UN Security Council strongly condemned Houthi attacks on international maritime traffic in the Red Sea, demanding an immediate cessation of such actions. These strikes, ongoing since November, are linked to the Iran-backed Houthis, who have vowed to continue until Israel ceases its Gaza operations.
Recent attacks include the March 6 assault on the Barbados-flagged vessel True Confidence, resulting in fatalities and injuries among crew members. Another incident on February 18 involved the sinking of the Belize-flagged Rubymar, carrying fertilizer, raising environmental concerns in the Red Sea.
Emphasizing the importance of implementing Resolution 2216 and subsequent resolutions, the Council urged an end to violence in Yemen and actions threatening its political process.
Practical cooperation, especially with the Yemeni government, was stressed to prevent further Houthi attacks and uphold arms embargoes.
The immediate release of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and its crew, detained unlawfully for over 100 days, was demanded. The Council underscored the significance of Red Sea maritime routes for humanitarian aid and Yemen’s fishing industry, emphasizing respect for navigational rights under international law.
Concerns were raised about a recent Houthi decision requiring ships to obtain permits before entering Yemeni waters, potentially impacting commercial navigation and humanitarian operations.
UN officials expressed worries about the conflict in Yemen leading to further regional instability, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional events.
Efforts to enhance international cooperation to counter threats and deescalate tensions in the Red Sea were stressed to safeguard Yemen’s peace process.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
