Russia and China Accuse US and UK of Illegally Attacking Houthi Military Sites in Yemen
Russia and China have accused the United States and Britain of illegally attacking military sites used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels to launch missiles at commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The two countries argue that the UN Security Council never authorized military action against Yemen, while the US and UK claim their actions are in self-defense.
Disrupting Global Shipping
The Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea have been driving up the costs of global shipping, including the costs of food supplies and humanitarian aid in the region. These attacks have imperiled shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
A Response to Houthi Attacks
In response to the Houthi attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom, along with other allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites. These strikes aim to disrupt and degrade the Houthis’ ability to continue their reckless attacks against vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
Iran’s Role in Supporting Houthi Attacks
The US envoy, Robert Wood, accused Iran of providing the Houthis with a growing arsenal of advanced weapons that they have used to target commercial ships. He emphasized that Iran cannot deny its role in enabling and supporting these attacks. Wood urged all countries, especially those with direct channels to Iran, to press Iran’s leaders to rein in the Houthis and stop these lawless attacks.
Efforts to Restore Peace in Yemen Hindered
UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, stated that promising efforts to restore peace to Yemen have been slowed by rising regional tensions linked to the war in Gaza and the military escalation in the Red Sea. He highlighted that Yemen’s peace process cannot be cordoned off from events in the region, including the US and UK attacks on Houthi targets and the US designation of the Houthis as a “Specially Designated Terrorist Group.”
The Root Cause of the Situation
Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, argued that the root cause of the current situation is Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has provoked a chain reaction in the Middle East, including by the Houthis. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to stabilize the situation in the Red Sea and unblock the efforts of the UN special envoy.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
Yemen’s civil war, which began in 2014, has devastated the country and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. Over 18 million people, more than half of Yemen’s population, will need humanitarian aid this year. The UN anticipates that 17.6 million people will face severe food insecurity, and nearly half of all children under five face moderate to severe stunting.
Appeal for Humanitarian Aid
Last year, the UN received only 40 percent of its $4.3 billion humanitarian appeal for Yemen. This year, the appeal is more targeted and seeks $2.7 billion to reach 11.2 million people across Yemen. The international community must come together to provide the necessary support to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Conclusion
The accusations and counter-accusations between Russia, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom highlight the complex dynamics at play in Yemen’s civil war. While all parties claim to be acting in self-defense or to protect global shipping, it is crucial to prioritize efforts to restore peace and address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The international community must work together to find a diplomatic solution and provide the necessary humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of millions of Yemenis.