Recent developments in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways suggest an increasing threat to international shipping from Yemen’s Houthis, U.N. Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg informed the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday.
In a briefing on Yemen’s situation, Grundberg warned of a significant risk of regional escalation following new Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and the first Israeli airstrikes on Yemen in retaliation for Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel.
“I remain deeply concerned about the continued targeting of international navigation in the Red Sea and its surrounding waterways,” Grundberg stated. “Recent developments suggest that the threat against international shipping is increasing in scope and precision.”
The Houthi attacks on Israel and the July 20 Israeli retaliatory strikes on Yemen’s port of Hodeidah and its oil and power facilities represent “a new and dangerous level” of violence, he added.
Commercial ships have been sunk and damaged, disrupting trade and causing civilian casualties. The Houthis continue to detain the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship hijacked in November. Meanwhile, the United States and Britain persist with airstrikes on military targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, Grundberg noted.
Let Us Build Your Online Success!
We are the experts in creating visually stunning and functional websites. With reliable hosting and exceptional customer support, we bring your vision to life. Join hundreds of happy clients who trust us!
Get Started Now📞 Call/WhatsApp: +256 207 800 192
“It is alarming that there are no signs of de-escalation, let alone a solution,” Grundberg said.
The Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel, disrupting global trade through the Red Sea in response to Israel’s assault on Gaza. Israel claims that the Iran-backed Houthis have launched 200 attacks against it since the conflict began, with many intercepted and most not deadly.
However, a rare Houthi drone strike last Friday hit Tel Aviv, killing one person and prompting Israel to announce its first strikes against the group on Saturday. The airstrikes near Hodeidah resulted in six fatalities, according to local medics.
As tensions escalate, the international community remains on high alert, seeking ways to address and mitigate the growing threat to maritime security and regional stability.
