Yemen / Anadolu

The UN Security Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution extending for six months the mechanism for monthly reports by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

This decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region threatening the safety of international navigation.

This occurred during a Security Council session in New York, according to a statement published on the UN website, monitored by Anadolu correspondent, at a time when military escalation between the US and Iran is renewed.

The statement said that 'the Security Council adopted Resolution 2826, which extends the monthly reporting requirements of the UN Secretary-General on Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea for six months until 15 January 2027'.

The statement added that 'the resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor, none against, with China and Russia abstaining'.

The statement explained that 'the last extension of this mechanism was on 14 January for six months'.

The Security Council had first established the reporting mechanism on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea in January 2024 under Resolution 2722.

That resolution requested the UN Secretary-General to submit monthly written reports to the Security Council on any Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

On 12 April, the Houthi group threatened to escalate its military operations if Israeli-American aggression against Iran resumes.

This position comes amid rising regional tensions after the Houthi group entered the confrontation line in late March to support Iran against the Israeli-American war on the latter, in addition to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon.

There are fears that the Houthis could expand their intervention in the war if aggression on Iran resumes, which could lead to closure or disruption of navigation in the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait, especially as Iran has since 2 March restricted navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz for oil and gas tankers.

This extension comes amid fears that the scope of Houthi attacks on international navigation could expand, especially in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. International calls are increasing to ensure freedom of navigation in this vital corridor, amid rising tensions between Iran and the West. Observers are closely monitoring any developments that could disrupt the movement of oil and gas tankers.