UN Calls for Halt in Attacks by the US and Houthis
On March 16, 2025, the United Nations issued a call for both the United States and the Houthi movement in Yemen to cease their military assaults. The appeal comes amid a recent spike in violence that threatens to escalate regional tensions between the US and the Iranian-backed Houthis.
In a concerning development, the Houthis claimed to have targeted an American aircraft carrier along with its accompanying warships using ballistic missiles and drones. This occurred shortly after US airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, highlighting the volatile situation in the region.
Stefan Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasized the necessity for maximum restraint and an immediate cessation of military operations. He warned that any further escalation could exacerbate existing regional tensions, potentially igniting retaliatory cycles that may further destabilize Yemen—an already fragile nation facing severe humanitarian challenges.
The stakes are high, as US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz indicated that the airstrikes had resulted in the deaths of several key Houthi leaders. He also issued a stark warning to Iran, suggesting that “the time for restraint has passed.”
President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, threatening the Houthis with severe consequences and urging Iran to halt its support for the group, which has carried out numerous attacks on commercial vessels near the Yemeni coast amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
In response to the US actions, the Houthis claimed that the American strikes had resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals, including children. This cycle of violence raises serious concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Yemen and the wider implications for regional security. The international community continues to watch closely as tensions rise and the situation evolves.