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Key Points

The UN envoy strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea that sank two commercial vessels. He warned of environmental risks and urged the group to stop escalating tensions. The Houthis justified the attacks as pressure on Israel over Gaza. Yemen’s Aden-based government also denounced the incidents.

Key Points: UN Envoy Grundberg Urges Houthis to Stop Red Sea Ship Attacks

  • UN envoy condemns Houthi attacks sinking Eternity C and Magic Seas
  • Warns of environmental harm from vessel damage
  • Calls for adherence to maritime law and Security Council resolution
  • Houthis claim attacks pressure Israel over Gaza blockade
2 min read

UN envoy urges Yemen's Houthis to cease Red Sea attacks after vessels sinking

UN envoy condemns Houthi attacks sinking two vessels, warns of environmental risks, and calls for maritime safety in the Red Sea.

"These incidents underscore the growing risks to civilian lives, international navigation, and regional stability. – Hans Grundberg"

Aden, July 11

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, expressed deep concern over recent escalating attacks by Houthi forces in the Red Sea, including incidents that led to the sinking of two commercial vessels and resulted in casualties.

In a statement released on social media platform X, Grundberg condemned the attack that caused the sinking of the commercial vessel Eternity C on July 8, which resulted in deaths, injuries, and missing persons, Xinhua news agency reported.

The envoy extended condolences to the victims' families and called for the swift recovery of the injured and safe return of those still missing.

The UN official also expressed concern over an earlier attack on July 6 that led to the sinking of the commercial vessel Magic Seas. "These incidents underscore the growing risks to civilian lives, international navigation, and regional stability," Grundberg said.

"Such attacks on commercial vessels violate international maritime law and Security Council resolution 2722 (2024)," Grundberg emphasised, reiterating that "freedom of navigation must be upheld."

He also warned against "the risk of serious environmental harm resulting from damage to the vessels, including possible marine pollution and other broader consequences."

The special envoy urged the Houthi group to "cease attacks that risk escalating tensions in and around Yemen" and "provide durable guarantees to the region and the wider international community, ensuring the safety of all those using this critical waterway."

The Houthis claimed responsibility for both attacks, saying they were intended to pressure Israel and its allies to lift the blockade on Gaza and end the ongoing military campaign, vowing to carry out further strikes.

The Aden-based Yemeni government has also condemned the attacks in strong terms.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I condemn the attacks, we must understand the root cause. The Gaza blockade is creating desperation. But sinking ships with innocent crew members? That's crossing all limits. Both sides need to come to the negotiating table ASAP.
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Arjun K
This affects India directly! Many Indian sailors work on these commercial vessels. Our government should evacuate all Indian crew members from ships passing through Red Sea immediately. Safety first!
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Sarah B
The environmental impact is being overlooked here. Oil spills from sunk ships could destroy marine life for decades. The UN should impose heavy fines on Houthis for environmental damage too.
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Vikram M
Why is the UN just "expressing concern"? They need to take concrete action. These attacks are increasing shipping costs which will ultimately make everything more expensive for common people like us in India.
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Kavya N
As an Indian, I'm worried about our trade routes. 12% of global trade passes through Red Sea. If this continues, it will impact our economy badly. Government should explore alternative routes through Chabahar port.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, the UN envoy's statement feels too mild. When will world leaders understand that terrorists don't respond to polite requests? Stronger deterrents are needed to protect international waters.

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