/Annual UK and International Community Responses to the Houthi Forces in the Red Sea

Key Chapter Title List

1. Who are the Houthis? What is the current situation of the Yemeni civil war?
2. Houthi Attacks on Israel, 2023-25
3. Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping
4. United Nations and International Community Statements
5. UK Statements and Military Presence in the Red Sea
6. UK-US Military Strikes: Responses from the UK and International Community
7. Sanctions and Arms Embargoes Targeting the Houthis

Document Introduction

Since November 2023, the Yemeni Houthi group has launched sustained attacks on commercial vessels and naval ships in the Red Sea, forcing ships to reroute, severely hindering global trade and freedom of navigation, while also directly launching drone and missile attacks against Israel. As one of the regional armed forces supported by Iran, the Houthis' actions have not only exacerbated the complexity of the Yemeni civil war but also triggered profound adjustments in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

This report systematically outlines the origins of the Houthis, their connections with Iran and Russia, their role in the Yemeni civil war, and their core attack operations against Israel and Red Sea shipping between 2023 and 2025. The report details the multi-layered responses of the international community: the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2722 condemning the attacks and demanding a ceasefire, the United States led the formation of the international maritime coalition "Operation Prosperity Guardian," and the European Union launched "Operation Aspides" to conduct defensive naval missions.

As a core participant, the UK's response measures are a key focus of the report's analysis, including policy statements from the Conservative and Labour governments, the deployment dynamics of the Royal Navy in the Red Sea, and five joint military strikes conducted with the United States from January to May 2024. The report delves into the legal basis for the UK-US strikes, controversies and responses within the UK Parliament, and the application of sanctioning tools—including arms embargoes under the framework of UN Security Council resolutions, targeted sanctions by the UK and US, and the US adjustment of the Houthis' terrorist organization designation.

The report also assesses the impact of various parties' actions on Yemeni peace negotiations. UN mediation efforts have been constrained by the escalation of armed conflict, regional countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have maintained strategic restraint, while China and Russia have called for resolving the crisis by addressing the root causes of the Gaza conflict. Data shows that Houthi attacks have led to a significant decline in Red Sea container shipping capacity and a sharp drop in Suez Canal revenue, causing notable impacts on global supply chains and the regional economy. This report provides an authoritative and comprehensive empirical foundation and policy reference for understanding asymmetric conflict in the Middle East, maritime security governance, and great power geopolitical competition.