Russia and China Accuse US and UK of Illegally Attacking Houthi Military Sites
Tensions are rising at the United Nations as Russia and China accuse the United States and Britain of illegally attacking military sites used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The attacks on these sites are said to disrupt global shipping, particularly in the Red Sea. The U.S. and UK, however, argue that their actions are in self-defense against the Houthi attacks, which they deem illegal.
The Houthi rebels have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since November, demanding a cease-fire in Israel’s offensive in Gaza. These attacks have not only affected vessels with clear links to Israel but have also put trade routes among Asia, the Middle East, and Europe at risk. In response, the United States and the United Kingdom, with support from other allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites.
The U.S. deputy ambassador, Robert Wood, states that these strikes aim to disrupt and degrade the Houthis’ ability to continue their reckless attacks on vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Wood also accuses Iran of providing the Houthis with advanced weapons, which they have used to target commercial ships. He emphasizes that Iran cannot deny its role in enabling and supporting these attacks.
On the other side, Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, condemns attacks on commercial vessels and any actions that impede freedom of navigation. Russia has urged the Houthi leaders to focus on Yemen’s domestic agenda and pursue peace. Polyansky believes that an immediate cease-fire in Gaza will help stabilize the situation in the Red Sea.
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special envoy for Yemen, highlights that efforts to restore peace in Yemen have been hindered by rising regional tensions linked to the war in Gaza. He emphasizes that Yemen’s peace process cannot be isolated from the events in the region. The U.S. and UK attacks on Houthi targets, as well as the U.S. designation of the Houthis as a “Specially Designated Terrorist Group,” are concerning.
Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, and forced the internationally recognized government to flee. Saudi Arabia intervened on behalf of the government, turning the conflict into a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The war has had devastating consequences for Yemen, already the poorest country in the Arab region, and has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.
The U.N. humanitarian office’s director of operations, Edem Wosornu, highlights the massive continuing needs in Yemen. Over 18 million people, more than half of the country’s population, will require humanitarian aid this year. Additionally, 17.6 million people will face severe food insecurity, with nearly half of all children under five experiencing stunted growth and development.
Last year, the U.N. received only 40% of its $4.3 billion humanitarian appeal for Yemen. This year, the appeal is more targeted, seeking $2.7 billion to reach 11.2 million people across Yemen. The urgent need for humanitarian assistance cannot be ignored, and international cooperation is crucial to address the ongoing crisis in Yemen.
In conclusion, the accusations and counter-accusations between Russia, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom highlight the complex dynamics surrounding the conflict in Yemen. The attacks on Houthi military sites have disrupted global shipping and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. The international community must work together to find a peaceful resolution and provide much-needed aid to the people of Yemen.
