UN members & UK seek an end to Red Sea attacks

On Wednesday, members of the United Nations Security Council urged the Houthis in Yemen to cease their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They emphasized that these attacks are unlawful and pose a threat to regional stability, freedom of navigation, and global food supplies. During the council’s first formal meeting of 2024, they also insisted on the release of the Galaxy Leader, a Japanese-operated cargo ship associated with an Israeli company, along with its crew, which had been seized by the Houthis on November 19.

While some members advocated for immediate council action to stop the Houthi missile and drone attacks, no formal steps were taken during the open session, and the council entered closed consultations. Chris Lu, a U.S. representative to the United Nations, expressed the belief that the situation has reached a critical juncture, emphasizing the serious implications of these attacks on maritime security, international shipping, commerce, and the fragile humanitarian situation in Yemen. The United States called for collective action to address the issue.

Britain is prepared to take “direct action”

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron declared on Thursday that attacks on cargo vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes must cease, warning of international intervention if they persist. Recent attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have garnered condemnation from multiple nations, with a joint statement issued by Britain, the United States, and others underscoring the potential consequences of further attacks.

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The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, have been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea since October. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and allege Israeli connections to the targeted vessels. Cameron dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the focus should be on the freedom of navigation and the ability of ships to transport their cargo without interference. He stressed that if the attacks continue, actions will be taken to address the situation. However, he did not specify the nature of the actions or whether Britain would deploy additional Navy ships to the region. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps had previously stated that Britain is prepared to take “direct action” in response to the attacks.