A UN Security Council resolution demands an immediate end to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, calling on all member states to uphold an arms embargo against Iran-backed Yemeni rebels.

The text, drawn up by the USA and Japan, was adopted with 11 votes in favor and 4 abstentions (Russia, China, Algeria, Mozambique) and strongly condemns at least 24 attacks on merchant ships since November 19.

The decision calls for the Houthis to put an immediate end to these attacks, which impede international trade and undermine the rights and freedom of navigation as well as peace and security in the region.

The text implicitly approves the action of the international coalition created by Washington for the protection of merchant ships in the strategically important sea area. It also demands that the Houthis release the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier operated by a Japanese company and linked to an Israeli businessman, which has a crew of 25.

The Security Council, insisting on respect for international law, recognizes the right of member states to protect their ships from these attacks, the text notes.

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Shortly after the Israel/Hamas war broke out in the Gaza Strip on October 7, the Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen and are backed by Iran, like Hamas, said that they would target ships – as an act of solidarity against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip – passing through the Red Sea if they are “linked” to Israel, slowing the movement of ships.

Israel’s main ally, the US, reacted by announcing in December the establishment of a naval coalition aiming to protect international shipping from attacks by the Houthis in this ​​strategically important sea area crossed by about 12% of world trade. This formation provoked a strong reaction from Russia.

The decision, highlighting large-scale violations of the arms embargo against the Houthis, emphasizes the need for all member states to honor their obligations in this regard and condemns arms deliveries to the Houthis. According to the most recent report by experts tasked by the Security Council to monitor the implementation of the arms embargo drawn up in November, the Houthis have significantly enhanced their military capabilities, both land and naval, including submarines, as well as their arsenal of missiles and drones, in violation of the embargo.

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