According to Reuters, the United States and Britain defended their recent strikes against Yemen’s Houthis to the UN Security Council as a response to the group’s attacks on Red Sea shipping. In contrast, Russia and China criticized the Western allies for escalating regional tensions with their military actions.
Russia accused the United States and Britain of launching an operation that was both disproportionate and illegal in its response to the Houthis’ attacks. Meanwhile, other countries expressed concerns that the strikes against 28 locations could exacerbate existing tensions in the region, particularly in light of Israel’s offensive against Gaza’s ruling Hamas Islamists.
The Security Council held a debate on the US and British operation following months of drone and missile attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthis on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis have stated that their attacks are in support of Hamas and are a response to the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield defended the strikes as consistent with international law and the UN Charter, stating that they were intended to disrupt and degrade the Houthis’ ability to continue their attacks against vessels and commercial shipping. She emphasized the US’s commitment to pursuing a diplomatic response while also seeking to defend commercial shipping in the region.
British Ambassador Susan Woodward echoed Thomas-Greenfield’s statements, noting that the strikes were “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence.” She also mentioned the non-operational support of the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain and Australia in the operation.
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, in contrast, accused the US and British strikes of violating international law and raising regional tensions. He argued that while defending commercial shipping was important, the bombing of another state was disproportionate and illegal.
China’s UN envoy, Zhang Jun, also voiced objection to the operation, stating that the Security Council had not authorized the use of force against Yemen. He further argued that the strikes had led to infrastructure destruction, civilian casualties, and heightened security risks in the Red Sea.
In summary, the debate at the Security Council highlighted the differing perspectives on the legality and impact of the US and British strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. While the US and Britain defended their actions as necessary and proportionate, Russia and China accused them of crossing legal and ethical boundaries while also stoking regional tensions. This debate is likely to continue as the situation in the region unfolds.
