The UN Security Council adopted Resolution No. 2739, in which it reiterated its demand that the Houthis immediately cease all attacks against transport and commercial vessels. The decision was issued with the support of 12 members, with Algeria, China and Russia abstaining from voting.

The resolution - whose draft was submitted by the United States and Japan - renewed the demand that the Houthis immediately release the ship "Galaxy Leader" and its crew. He once again stressed the need to address root causes, including conflicts that contribute to regional tensions and disruption of maritime security, in order to ensure a rapid, efficient and effective response.

The resolution urged caution and restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and in the region as a whole. He encouraged the strengthening of diplomacy by all parties to this end, including continued support for dialogue and the peace process in Yemen under the auspices of the United Nations.

The United States and Japan

After the resolution was adopted, Deputy US Ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Wood, referred to the Council’s resolution issued in January, which condemned the Houthi attacks on commercial and transport ships in the Red Sea and demanded the immediate cessation of all such attacks.

Speaking on behalf of the United States and Japan, Wood said, "The Houthis did not comply with that resolution, and in recent weeks they launched additional complex attacks against ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters." He stated that these attacks threaten international peace and security and have negative consequences on international trade and the flow of humanitarian aid.

He pointed out that the new resolution extends the request addressed to the Secretary-General, contained in the resolution issued in January, to submit reports to the Council on the situation. He said that these reports will help ensure that the Council obtains accurate and timely information for its deliberations on how best to deal with the actions of the Houthis.

The American diplomat said that the threat to navigation rights and freedoms in the Red Sea is an international challenge that requires an international response.