The UN Security Council has taken a firm stance against the ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, authorizing continued reporting on these incidents despite abstentions from some permanent members. The recent escalation, including the sinking of two vessels, underscores the severe threat to global trade and maritime security.
UN Security Council Authorizes Continued Reporting
In a vote of 12-0 with abstentions from Russia, China, and Algeria, the 15-member UN Security Council authorized the continued monthly reporting by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. This reporting requirement is extended until January 15, 2026, aimed at maintaining vigilance against the “Iran-backed Houthi terrorist threat,” according to Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea.
The abstaining nations cited concerns over attacks against Yemen that they view as violations of its sovereignty, a clear reference to U.S. airstrikes against Houthi positions in northern Yemen.
Escalation of Houthi Attacks
The resolution comes in the wake of recent, highly concerning attacks by the Houthis against civilian cargo vessels. Ambassador Shea specifically cited the sinking of the MV Magic Seas and the MV Eternity C. These attacks not only resulted in the loss of innocent seafarers but also involved crew members being taken hostage from the Eternity C. The MV Magic Seas was attacked on July 6, 2025, and sank after a sustained assault. The MV Eternity C was targeted on July 7, 2025, leading to fatalities and abductions among its crew.
The United States has strongly condemned these “unprovoked terrorist attacks,” emphasizing the threat they pose to freedom of navigation and to regional economic and maritime security. The Security Council has reiterated its demand for an immediate halt to all Houthi attacks and the unconditional release of all kidnapped crew members.
Geopolitical Ramifications and Motives
These assaults represent a continued campaign by the Houthi rebels against shipping in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict, which began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel. The attacks also occur amidst Yemen’s nearly decade-long civil war, which shows no signs of abating.
Greece’s U.N. Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris highlighted that the Houthi attacks continue to foster mistrust within the international maritime community. He stressed that the security and freedom of navigation are fundamental for the stability of global supply chains and economic development. Sekeris warned that if the Red Sea region, a critical international maritime route, degrades further, it will expose the international community to more acute security risks and economic uncertainty. The heightened threat environment has already significantly elevated marine insurance premiums, now exceeding 0.7% of vessel value, with some quotes spiking to 1% from 0.3% before the latest incidents.
Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, explained Moscow’s abstention by stating that language in previous resolutions demanding a halt to Houthi attacks was “arbitrarily interpreted to justify the use of force affecting the territory of the sovereign state of Yemen.” He asserted that efforts to stabilize the situation in and around Yemen should be pursued through political and diplomatic channels.
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Source: ABC News
