In a recent development at the United Nations Security Council, Russia and China have accused the United States and Britain of engaging in illegal military actions against Yemeni Houthi rebels. The accusations come amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels have allegedly been launching missile attacks on commercial vessels, disrupting global shipping routes.
The US and UK representatives at the Security Council defended their actions, stating that their military strikes against the Houthi rebels were taken in self-defense. They emphasized the illegal nature of the Houthi attacks, which have reportedly driven up the costs of global shipping and hindered the delivery of food supplies and humanitarian aid in the region.
However, Russia and China argued that the UN Security Council had not authorized any military intervention in Yemen, highlighting the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The clashes occurred during a council meeting where the UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, expressed concerns over the rising regional tensions linked to conflicts in Gaza and the Red Sea. Grundberg emphasized the importance of efforts to restore peace in Yemen amid the ongoing military escalation.
The Houthi rebels, who control the capital Sanaa and a significant portion of northern Yemen, have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since November. The attacks are reportedly in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, although many of the targeted vessels have no clear links to Israel.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the US and UK, supported by other allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites. The US envoy stated that these actions aim to disrupt the Houthi’s ability to continue their attacks on vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea and adjacent waterways.
The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of Sanaa, leading to a Saudi-led coalition intervention in support of the internationally recognized government. The proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with millions facing severe food insecurity and other dire conditions.
The UN humanitarian office highlighted the urgent need for aid in Yemen, with over 18 million people requiring assistance this year. The Yemen appeal seeks $2.7 billion to reach 11.2 million people, emphasizing the critical importance of international support to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the conflict.
Comments