Houthi Attacks Continue: A Closer Look at UN Security Council Resolution 2722

11-01-2024

Andrej Confalonieri

Middle East and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

Despite the formal warning issued by the United States-led multinational maritime security coalition, composed of mainly Western countries and aimed to combat the Houthis rebels, the latter group, backed by Iran, has persisted in their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. [1] They have launched 26 attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea since November 19th, 2023. Notably, on January 9th, 2024, the Houthis launched their largest-ever attack, using a barrage of drones and missiles. [2] The United States and British navies engaged in a major naval operation, downing 18 drones, two cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile. [3] As they have done previously, [4] the Yemeni rebels claimed the attacks were in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, but they still targeted vessels unrelated to the conflict. As has been the case since their first attacks, trade routes continue to be threatened, given the importance of the Red Sea in commercial shipping. [5] For instance, an ultra-large container vessel going from the Netherlands to Taiwan at an average speed of about 16.5 knots would have to travel for 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km) more by taking the route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope and up the west side of the continent instead of going through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. [6] Other consequences include the rising costs and delays. [7]

In response to the January 9th attack, the United Nations Security Council has adopted Resolution 2722 (2024), “demanding that the Houthis immediately cease all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.” [8] The Resolution was voted for by 11 members of the Security Council, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. No state opposed the adoption of the resolution, but Algeria, China, Mozambique, and the Russian Federation abstained. [9] The latter state affirmed that the aim of the authors of the resolution was not “to ensure security in the Red Sea but, rather, to [legitimise] the [multinational maritime security] coalition’s actions in hindsight and achieve an open-ended blessing from the Council.” The Russian Federation also proposed three amendments, which were rejected. [10]

Adopting Resolution 2722, the Council requested the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader, as well as its crew. The Council also noted the right of the Member States of the United Nations to “defend their vessels from attacks - including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.” [11] It further condemned the supplying of materials to the Houthis and called for careful and restrained actions to prevent the situation from escalating, both in the Red Sea and the surrounding regions. Furthermore, it encouraged diplomatic initiatives from all involved parties, emphasising sustained backing for dialogue. [12] In other words, the Council highlighted the need to solve a situation “which impede[s] global commerce and navigational rights and freedoms as well as regional peace.” [13]

Sources and further reading

[1] See Maziar Motamedi, ‘Can the US-led maritime force stop Yemen’s Houthi attacks during Gaza war?’ (Al Jazeera, 19 December 2023) <https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/19/can-the-new-us-led-maritime-force-stop-houthi-attacks-during-gaza-war> accessed 11 January 2024.

[2] Jon Gambrell, ‘Sea drone and missile attack, though no damage is reported’ (The Washington Post, 10 January 2023) <https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/01/09/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-israel/e0861d4e-af56-11ee-9a32-5c9e6aa28b3b_story.html> accessed 11 January 2024.   

[3] Ibid. 

[4] See Andrej Confalonieri, ‘Houthi Rebels at Sea: Escalating Tensions Beyond Borders’ (GHRTV, 1 December 2023) <https://ghrtv.org/houthi-rebels-at-sea-escalating-tensions-beyond-borders> accessed 11 January 2024.

[5] See Zoran Kusovac, ‘Analysis: Is the Houthi threat to world order worse than the war on Gaza?’ (Al Jazeera, 13 December 2023) <https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/13/analysis-is-the-houthi-threat-to-world-order-more-serious-than-the-war-on-gaza> accessed 11 January 2024.

[6] Michael Race, ‘What do Red Sea assaults mean for global trade?’ (BBC News, 04 January 2023) <https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67759593> accessed 11 January 2024. 

[7] Ibid. 

[8] ‘Adopting Resolution 2722 (2024) Security Council Demands Houthis Immediately Stop Attacks on Merchant, Commercial Vessels in Red Sea’ (10 January 2023) <https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15561.doc.htm> accessed 11 January 2024. 

[9] Ibid. 

[10] Ibid. 

[11] Ibid. 

[12] Ibid. 

[13] Al Jazeera, ‘UN Security Council demands Houthis stop Red Sea shipping attacks’ (Al Jazeera, 11 January 2023) <https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/11/un-security-council-demands-houthis-stop-red-sea-shipping-attacks> accessed 11 January 2024.