What's happened
The UN Security Council passed a resolution extending reports on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea until January 2026, amid ongoing violence linked to Yemen's war and Gaza conflict. Russia, China, and Algeria abstained, citing sovereignty and peace concerns. Houthi attacks have disrupted maritime trade and targeted ships connected to Israel and Russia.
What's behind the headline?
The UN resolution reflects a complex geopolitical landscape where Yemen's internal conflict, regional rivalries, and the Gaza war are deeply interconnected. The abstentions by Russia, China, and Algeria highlight concerns over sovereignty and the risk of military escalation. The Houthi attacks serve as a strategic tool to oppose Israeli actions in Gaza, but they also threaten global trade, especially in oil and commodities. The international community faces a dilemma: balancing diplomatic efforts with the need to ensure maritime security. The escalation of attacks indicates that the conflict will likely intensify unless a broader ceasefire and political solution are achieved. The US and allies' military responses, including airstrikes, may temporarily suppress Houthi operations but risk further destabilization. The focus on the Red Sea as a battleground underscores its importance as a global trade artery, and continued violence could have far-reaching economic consequences, including higher shipping costs and supply chain disruptions.
What the papers say
The AP News article provides detailed insights into the UN Security Council vote, highlighting the geopolitical tensions and the specific attacks by Houthis on vessels, including the sinking of ships and hostage situations. The Independent offers context on the broader impact of Houthi attacks on maritime trade, insurance costs, and regional security, emphasizing the escalation since November 2023 and the strategic motivations linked to Gaza. The Times of Israel focuses on the recent spike in attacks, the sinking of ships, and the increased risks for shipping through the Red Sea, illustrating the direct threat to global commerce and the ongoing military confrontations. While all sources agree on the escalation and regional implications, the AP and The Independent stress the diplomatic and security responses, whereas The Times of Israel emphasizes the operational risks and economic impact.
How we got here
Since November 2023, Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched numerous missile and drone attacks against ships in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The conflict is intertwined with Yemen's nearly decade-long civil war, involving regional powers and international interests. The US has conducted airstrikes against Houthis, citing threats to regional security and shipping routes. The recent attacks have significantly impacted maritime traffic, with increased insurance costs and reduced vessel movements through the critical waterway.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s Happening in the Red Sea with Houthi Attacks?
The Red Sea has become a hotspot of tension lately, with Houthi attacks disrupting maritime trade and raising regional security concerns. The UN has extended reports on these conflicts until early 2026, highlighting ongoing violence linked to Yemen's civil war and the Gaza conflict. Curious about how these attacks impact global shipping, regional responses, and what’s next? Keep reading for answers to your most pressing questions.
More on these topics
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
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The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden.
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The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN