UN Security Council Calls for End to Maritime Attacks by Houthis
The UN Security Council has called for an end to cross-border and maritime attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, urging member states to strengthen efforts in implementing an arms embargo against the group.
The United Nations Security Council has issued a resolution calling for an immediate cessation of cross-border and maritime attacks conducted by Yemen's Houthi group.
The council condemned such actions and demanded an end to all attacks, including those targeting infrastructure and civilian targets.
This resolution was adopted with a unanimous vote of 13-0, except for permanent members China and Russia who abstained from voting.
The targeted sanctions against the Houthi group have been extended until November 14, 2026.
These sanctions currently include asset freezes and travel bans imposed on approximately ten individuals, most of whom are high-ranking Houthi officials.
The resolution emphasizes that sanctions may now affect those responsible for launching attacks from Yemeni territory using ballistic and cruise missile technology or attacks targeting merchant ships in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden.
Council members called upon member states to enhance efforts in combating the smuggling of weapons and components through land and sea routes, with a focus on ensuring the implementation of the targeted arms embargo.
The Houthi group, based in Yemen's northern region, has controlled significant portions of the country, including the capital Sanaa, for over a decade.
The resolution urges the panel of experts monitoring the enforcement of the embargo to submit a report by mid-April with recommendations regarding the sale and transfer of 'dual-use components and precursor chemicals' that could fall into Houthi hands.
Additionally, council members seek advice on improving information-sharing concerning vessels suspected of violating existing sanctions.
The adopted resolution aims to bolster the council's ability to monitor and deter violations of the arms embargo.
However, some member states, notably the United States and France, expressed disappointment over the lack of more significant measures in the resolution.
They highlighted the deterioration of the situation in Yemen over the past year.
China and Russia abstained from supporting further strengthening of sanctions within the council.
Since the start of the war in Gaza, triggered by Israel's attack on October 7, 2023, the Houthis have increased their missile and drone attacks on Israeli soil and vessels in the Red Sea, claiming these actions were carried out in solidarity with Palestinians.
The council condemned such actions and demanded an end to all attacks, including those targeting infrastructure and civilian targets.
This resolution was adopted with a unanimous vote of 13-0, except for permanent members China and Russia who abstained from voting.
The targeted sanctions against the Houthi group have been extended until November 14, 2026.
These sanctions currently include asset freezes and travel bans imposed on approximately ten individuals, most of whom are high-ranking Houthi officials.
The resolution emphasizes that sanctions may now affect those responsible for launching attacks from Yemeni territory using ballistic and cruise missile technology or attacks targeting merchant ships in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden.
Council members called upon member states to enhance efforts in combating the smuggling of weapons and components through land and sea routes, with a focus on ensuring the implementation of the targeted arms embargo.
The Houthi group, based in Yemen's northern region, has controlled significant portions of the country, including the capital Sanaa, for over a decade.
The resolution urges the panel of experts monitoring the enforcement of the embargo to submit a report by mid-April with recommendations regarding the sale and transfer of 'dual-use components and precursor chemicals' that could fall into Houthi hands.
Additionally, council members seek advice on improving information-sharing concerning vessels suspected of violating existing sanctions.
The adopted resolution aims to bolster the council's ability to monitor and deter violations of the arms embargo.
However, some member states, notably the United States and France, expressed disappointment over the lack of more significant measures in the resolution.
They highlighted the deterioration of the situation in Yemen over the past year.
China and Russia abstained from supporting further strengthening of sanctions within the council.
Since the start of the war in Gaza, triggered by Israel's attack on October 7, 2023, the Houthis have increased their missile and drone attacks on Israeli soil and vessels in the Red Sea, claiming these actions were carried out in solidarity with Palestinians.
