Barran Press
On December 30, 2024, the United States urged the United Nations Security Council to take additional measures in response to the escalating threats posed by the Houthi movement and to hold Iran accountable for its support of the group. Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, made the remarks during a Security Council meeting convened to discuss Houthi actions, which was called at Israel's request.
Shea reiterated the US condemnation of recent Houthi attacks on Israel, affirming America's support for Israel's right to self-defense. The Deputy Ambassador highlighted a series of intensified Houthi assaults on Israel throughout December, noting that one attack resulted in injuries to over ten individuals at a stadium in Tel Aviv.
According to Shea, the Houthis are fully equipped by Iran to launch long-range, lethal attacks against Israel, including strikes on civilian infrastructure. She pointed to Houthi propaganda boasting about their use of advanced hypersonic missiles.
She emphasized that Iran's provision of weapons to the Houthis constitutes a violation of the Security Council's arms embargo against the group. Shea called on the Security Council to respond to Iran's blatant violations of its resolutions and to cease arming terrorist organizations. She urged member states with direct channels to Iran to pressure its leadership to prevent further Houthi attacks that endanger civilians.
Additionally, Shea reiterated the US call for enhanced UN verification and inspection mechanisms, which are crucial to preventing the illicit smuggling of weapons and related materials from Iran and other malign actors to the Houthis.
Regarding US airstrikes on the Houthis, Shea mentioned that on December 16, US forces conducted a precise strike against a key Houthi command and control facility in areas under their control in Sana'a. This site was a hub for coordinating Houthi operations, including attacks on US naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
In a separate operation on December 21, US forces intercepted several Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. Shea stated that these actions were consistent with international law and represented the US's inherent right to self-defense, without indicating a shift in its approach to other conflicts.
On Israeli operations, Shea stressed the importance of coordination, especially in densely populated areas, to avoid civilian casualties. She expressed gratitude to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and his team for their safety after an Israeli strike hit near their location at Sana'a airport.
She reiterated US support for the humanitarian efforts of the UN and partners like WHO, who provide essential health, nutrition, water, and sanitation services to the Yemeni population amid dire conditions.
In her address to the Security Council, Shea called for action to halt the destabilizing behavior of the Houthis, stating, "This council must ensure there are consequences for their actions." She also requested an extension of reporting requirements under resolution 2722 to guarantee accurate information on the origins of ballistic missiles and advanced drones used in increasingly sophisticated attacks.