In an effort to safeguard global supply chains and curb regional tensions, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) officials on Wednesday called upon nations to respond to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The appeal comes after recent attacks on two commercial ships – the MSC United and the Maersk Hangzhou – in late December 2023.
The UNSC emphasized on the importance of protecting global supply chains and averting heightened regional tensions. They underscored the need to prevent such attacks as they pose a threat to millions of livelihoods. In addition to the MSC United and Maersk Hangzhou, a majority of the officials condemned the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, calling for the immediate release of the seized Galaxy Leader and its crew.
Such incidents of disrupted shipping lines have resulted in a surge of elevated freight costs. The council’s discussions recognised the broader picture of regional instability and highlighted differing viewpoints on Iran’s involvement. The US blamed Iranian funding for Houthi’s actions, while Russia and Israel’s representatives touched on the Red Sea incidents, critiquing US and Iran respectively for contributing to regional unrest and global threats.
The Houthi rebels have executed over a dozen attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea as a mark of support for Gaza amid Israel’s offensive in the enclave. Coupled with the seizure of the Galaxy Leader in November, an Israeli-linked cargo ship, these incidents led to shipping firms pulling their vessels from the region.
Following the attacks, the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on an individual and three currency exchange entities in Yemen and Turkey for purportedly financing the Houthi activity in the Red Sea, thereby placing them on the SDNs list.
As per a report by US Central Command, Iranian-backed Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Southern Red Sea from their controlled areas in Yemen on January 2. This marked the 24th attack on merchant shipping in the Southern Red Sea since November 19, posing significant risks to mariners and international commerce.
Finding resolution to these complex issues encompassing maritime security, geopolitical tensions, and humanitarian concerns presents a critical challenge.
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