Bahrain Urges Strong Action Against Houthi Attacks
Bahrain’s ambassador to the United Nations, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, recently addressed the Security Council regarding escalating threats to maritime security in the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea. He characterized the Houthi attacks and Iranian threats as acts of “blackmail” that necessitate a decisive international response. In his remarks, he emphasized the essentiality of safeguarding navigation and maintaining freedom of passage in these vital maritime corridors.
Urgent Need for Security Measures
During the Security Council meeting, Alrowaiei called for immediate and robust actions to secure maritime routes, highlighting the significance of Resolution 2826. This resolution extends the reporting mandate of the UN Secretary-General concerning Houthi assaults on shipping in the Red Sea for an additional six months. He underscored the necessity for the Council to ensure adherence to international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This commitment is crucial to maintaining peace and security in the region, protecting the interests of all member states.
The ambassador pointed out that the resolution, developed by Greece and the United States, arrives at a critical time, given concerning developments on the ground. The UN reporting mechanism, established under Resolution 2722 in January 2024, continues to shed light on the Houthi’s repeated violations of Security Council resolutions. Alrowaiei’s interventions revealed the gravity of the situation, exposing a series of provocative actions, including missile strikes and drone attacks, that threaten regional stability.
Recent Escalations and Violations
Alrowaiei’s statements came in the wake of a Yemeni government strike aimed at preventing an unauthorized Iranian aircraft from landing at Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport. He noted the implications of this incident, which were followed by a retaliatory Houthi attack on Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia. The situation underscores a deliberate and illegal Iranian influence in the region. The Houthi militants, he pointed out, have made aggressive threats to close critical waterways like the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and target civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
The Bahrain ambassador firmly condemned the recent missile assaults by the Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia, labeling these actions as “dangerous escalations” that blatantly violate international law. He praised the efficacy of Saudi air defense systems which successfully intercepted the attacks. Alrowaiei reaffirmed Bahrain’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its sovereignty and security against such aggressive actions.
International Responsibility and the Path Forward
He stressed that the threats posed by the Houthis represent a significant breach of Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2722, which mandates an immediate cessation of all attacks obstructing international trade and undermining navigational rights. Alrowaiei’s assertions call upon the Council to prioritize maritime security and take necessary steps to protect regional peace. The necessity for international law enforcement in these matters cannot be overstated, especially as tensions continue to rise in an already volatile region.
In conclusion, the ongoing situation in the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea requires urgent attention from the international community. The Security Council must stand firm against violations of established norms and work collectively to ensure maritime safety. The implications of ignoring these threats could have dire consequences, not only for regional stability but also for global trade and security.