UN Expresses Alarm Over Houthi Threats Following US Airstrikes in Yemen
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Synopsis
The United Nations raised concerns over the Houthi threats to attack ships in the Red Sea after the US airstrikes in Yemen. UN officials emphasize the need for restraint and adherence to international law to prevent further destabilization in the region.
Key Takeaways
- UN expresses concern over Houthi threats to maritime security.
- US airstrikes in Yemen reported casualties and disrupted power.
- Calls for restraint and diplomacy to avoid escalation.
- UN emphasizes respect for international humanitarian law.
- Efforts continue for a sustainable resolution in Yemen.
United Nations, March 18 (NationPress) The United Nations has expressed alarm regarding the Houthi threat to recommence assaults on vessels in the Red Sea in the wake of US airstrikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen, as stated by a UN spokesman.
"The secretary-general advocates for complete freedom of navigation in the Red Sea," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Monday. "We reaffirm our apprehension regarding the series of strikes launched on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen by the United States in recent days."
Haq mentioned that the Houthis indicated that US airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals and left another 101 injured across Sana'a City, Sa'ada, and Al Baydah governorates.
The reported casualties included civilians. Furthermore, the strikes disrupted power supplies in surrounding regions, according to Xinhua news agency.
"The UN urges for maximum restraint and the cessation of all military operations," he stated. "Any further escalation could heighten regional tensions, incite retaliation cycles that may destabilize Yemen and the surrounding region, and significantly threaten the already critical humanitarian situation in the country."
The spokesperson urged all parties to observe international law, including international humanitarian law, at all times. He also called for strict adherence to the recent Security Council resolution concerning Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels.
"The United Nations remains dedicated to its efforts towards broader de-escalation in Yemen and ongoing engagement with Yemeni, regional, and international stakeholders to secure a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict, ultimately ensuring a better future for the Yemeni populace," Haq stated.
The spokesperson further noted that the UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, reported over the weekend that he has been in close communication with Yemeni, regional, and international stakeholders.
"He has urged for maximum restraint and compliance with international humanitarian law, while advocating for a renewed focus on diplomacy to prevent uncontrollable destabilization in Yemen and the wider region," Haq remarked. "His office is maintaining various levels of contact to this end."
Grundberg also called for support from the international community, hoping that the UN-led mediation efforts can yield results despite the complex regional dynamics, including conditions in the Red Sea.
