Last week, the Houthis launched unprovoked terror attacks on two civilian cargo vessels, Magic Seas and Eternity C, in the Red Sea. The latter attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least four mariners, many others injured, and the complete loss of both ships.
The Houthis then kidnapped many of the crew of Eternity C, adding to the numbers the Houthis have unjustifiably detained, said John Kelley said Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations.
“We call for the kidnapped crew members’ immediate and unconditional release, just as we continue to call for the release of staff of the UN, NGOs, and diplomatic missions. The United States strongly condemns these attacks, which demonstrate the ongoing threat that Iran-backed Houthis pose to freedom of navigation and regional security.”
Mr. Kelley urged the Security Council to “give its full support to UN mechanisms that actually do make a difference in countering the Houthi threat,” including the Yemen Panel of Experts. This panel was established by the Security Council to monitor and report on the implementation of sanctions related to Yemen, particularly those targeting individuals and entities threatening the country's security. They also provide assessments and recommendations on issues such as human rights violations and military developments in the region.
Another important UN tool for enforcement of Resolution 2216 is the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism, or UNVIM, said Mr. Kelley.
“If Council members want to support UN efforts that truly contribute to peace and security in Yemen, then, once again, we urge financial support for UNVIM.”
“These [Houthi] attacks have compromised the free passage of commerce through the Red Sea,” noted Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations. “By some reports, these attacks have also more than doubled the cost of insuring commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea.”
Ambassador Shea demanded that all Houthi attacks against vessels transiting the Red Sea “cease immediately and permanently.”
Finally, she said, “we condemn Iran’s ongoing violations of Security Council Resolution 2216, which enable Houthi terrorism like these attacks against commercial vessels. This Council must not tolerate Iran’s defiance of its resolutions.” [VOA/VA]
