At a United Nations Security Council briefing, the United States condemned recent attacks by Houthi forces in the Red Sea, describing them as unprovoked acts of terror against civilian cargo ships. Ambassador Dorothy Shea detailed deadly incidents, including the loss of mariners and the kidnapping of crew members, and called for their immediate release. She warned that these attacks threaten freedom of navigation and regional stability, highlighting explicit threats and missile attacks targeting Israel.
Shea emphasized Iran's ongoing support for the Houthis, which she said enables further escalation and defiance of international resolutions. She commended Yemeni forces for intercepting a large shipment of Iranian weapons and urged a prompt UN inspection. The ambassador also criticized the Houthis for undermining humanitarian efforts, raiding aid warehouses, and advancing their own interests at the expense of the Yemeni people.
The United States reiterated its call to end the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement, advocating for increased support of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism, which has proven effective in preventing illicit arms shipments.