The U.N. Security Council has requested Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to continue monthly updates on Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, a move that elicited a response from Russia. Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva suggested that the Council should instead focus on monitoring commercial transport in the Caribbean, referencing U.S. military operations against drug traffickers off Venezuela’s coast.
Since September, the U.S. has conducted approximately 20 strikes against suspected traffickers, resulting in over 80 deaths and the seizure of five tankers to curb Venezuelan oil exports. Following Russia’s comments, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Jennifer Locetta reaffirmed the Security Council’s commitment to monitoring the Houthi threat, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of navigation for international peace and security.
Guterres has been reporting on Houthi attacks for two years, and the latest resolution extends this reporting for another six months. The Security Council’s actions come amid concerns that Houthi assaults have disrupted maritime trade, prompting some shipping lines to reroute, which could lead to increased energy and food prices. Although the Houthis had threatened vessels linked to Israel, there have been no recent attacks.
