UN Warns of Escalating Tensions in Red Sea, Urges Restraint

UNITED NATIONS — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concerns about the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, warning that the situation might soon become uncontrollable. His remarks came during a press conference on Monday, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Red Sea region is experiencing a critical level of tension, with risks of the situation spiraling out of control. He voiced particular alarm over the ongoing hostilities on the Israeli-Lebanese border, emphasizing the potential for a broader conflict between Israel and Lebanon that could adversely impact regional stability. The UN Secretary-General called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further escalation.

The situation in the Red Sea region intensified significantly following recent military actions. On the night of January 12, British and American military forces conducted strikes against the Houthi rebel movement Ansar Allah in Yemen. The operations, which involved aircraft, ships, and submarines, targeted various Yemeni towns, including Sanaa and Hodeidah. US President Joe Biden described these actions as defensive, responding to ‘unprecedented Houthi attacks’ in the Red Sea. The strikes were aimed at rebel missile sites, drones, and radar stations.

On January 13, an additional attack occurred on a naval base near the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. The USS Carney aircraft carrier launched Tomahawk missiles at an airfield north of the Yemeni capital. This escalation follows increased conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthis, in response, have threatened to strike Israeli territory and block access to Red Sea waters and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for associated ships until operations in the Palestinian enclave are concluded. The US military’s Central Command reported that Yemeni rebels have attacked over 20 civilian ships and vessels in the Red Sea since mid-November, further exacerbating the situation.