United Nations, New York – The UN Security Council has renewed sanctions against the Houthi group in Yemen for another year, citing ongoing concerns over cross-border attacks and violations of the arms embargo. The resolution, adopted Friday with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from Russia and China, extends the sanctions until November 14th of next year. These sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans targeting approximately 10 individuals, primarily Houthi officials, as well as the group itself.
The resolution highlights the possibility of expanding sanctions to include those involved in launching ballistic missiles across Yemen’s borders and those attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea. It also calls upon member states to intensify efforts to combat the smuggling of weapons and related components by land and sea, ensuring the effective enforcement of the arms embargo targeting the Houthis.
The Security Council’s decision underscores the international community’s continued concern over the situation in Yemen and the need to curb Houthi aggression. The resolution further mandates the panel of experts monitoring the implementation of sanctions to provide recommendations by mid-April regarding the transfer of dual-use components potentially utilized by the Houthis. These recommendations will also focus on improving information sharing concerning vessels potentially involved in transporting arms to Yemen.
While the resolution was welcomed by some member states, including the United Kingdom, others, such as the United States and France, expressed disappointment that the Council did not take stronger action. Concerns were voiced that the adopted text failed to adequately reflect the deteriorating situation in Yemen over the past year.
The Houthis have intensified attacks using missiles and drones toward Israel and against ships linked to Israel off the coast of Yemen in solidarity with Palestinians since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. The renewed sanctions aim to limit their capabilities and deter further destabilizing actions in the region.
