UN Security Council adopts resolution demanding Houthis cease Red Sea attacks

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution Wednesday demanding that Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis cease all attacks on ships flowing through the Red Sea. 

The resolution, sponsored by Japan and the United States, was approved with an 11-0 vote. Only four countries — China, Algeria, Mozambique and Russia — abstained.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan celebrated passage of the resolution, which condemns Houthi attacks on commercial and merchant ships, emphasizing the risk they pose on commerce and security in the region.

“We are pleased the UNSC adopted this resolution demanding the Houthis cease attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea,” Sullivan wrote Thursday morning on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The international community condemns Houthi attacks, which undermine freedom of navigation, international commerce, and regional security.”

The plan also demands the release of a Japanese-operated cargo ship, seized on Nov. 19 after a Houthi attack. 

Houthi rebels have been in a civil war with Yemen’s government since 2014. Their latest attacks come in retaliation for Israel's ongoing war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza — as strikes continue in the region three months after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in October.

The U.S. and its allies in the region are patrolling the area, hoping to stop future attacks. 

The rebels launched their biggest attack yet late Tuesday, with drones and missiles targeting the Red Sea area. The British and U.S. navies responded by shooting them down.  

“If the Houthi attacks continue, there will be consequences, U.N. ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Security Council on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. 

Last week, 13 nations forged a joint statement, demanding the end of all attacks by the Houthis, or a collective response would unfold. 

Before the resolution was approved, The U.N. council struck down three amendments proposed by Russia. In the 15-member council, nine “yes” votes are needed for a resolution or amendment to pass.

Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's ambassador to the U.N., called the resolution “politicized," arguing the true aim of the U.S. and its allies is to secure an open-ended green light for future actions in the area. He also condemned the attacks on civilian ships. 

Thomas-Greenfield fired back, echoing Sullivan’s comments that freedom of navigation and trade is paramount. 

“The Houthis are targeting a range of vessels, few of which are owned or operated by Israelis,” she said. “And so, what is at issue here is not any particular conflict, but rather the simple principle of upholding freedom of navigation and a waterway vital to the free flow of global commerce.”