UN : The explosive situation in the Red Sea may become out of control
According to information from this Monday, January 15, 2024, the Secretary-General of the United Nations UN, Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern about the situation in the Red Sea, warning that current tensions could soon spiral out of control. This was during a press statement. Guterres stated that the levels of tension were « at an exorbitant level » and could become « probably impossible to contain. »
Particular concern was raised about daily shootings at the Israel-Lebanon border, with fears of a broader escalation between Israel and Lebanon, jeopardizing regional stability. Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region.
The situation in the Red Sea has recently escalated with strikes by British and American forces against the Houthi rebels Ansar Allah in Yemen. U.S. President Joe Biden justified these attacks citing « unprecedented Houthi attacks » in the Red Sea, describing them as defensive measures targeting rebels’ missile sites, drones, and radar stations.
Following these events, the Houthis declared their intention to strike Israeli territory and banned the passage of associated ships in the waters of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the end of the operation in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. Central Command reported more than 20 attacks on ships and civilian vessels in the Red Sea by the Houthis since mid-November.
The UN calls for immediate action to defuse the situation and avoid a potentially devastating regional escalation.
