ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed this week condemned the recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, calling for the protection of navigation routes and greater maritime cooperation worldwide.
Ahmed was speaking at the UN Security Council open debate on ‘Maritime Security: Prevention, Innovation, and International Cooperation to Address Emerging Challenges’ on Monday. During the meeting, the Red Sea attacks from last month came under discussion. Washington accused Iran of fueling maritime insecurity in the Red Sea by supplying weapons and other materials to the Houthis.
Washington’s acting ambassador, Dorothy Shea, condemned the Houthis for the recent attacks in the Red Sea that resulted in the sinking of two commercial ships, the deaths of crew members and the taking of hostages.
According to international news agency Reuters, Houthis have targeted more than 100 merchant ships traveling through the Red Sea since November 2023, sinking four vessels, seizing another and killing at least eight sailors.
“Attacks on commercial shipping undermine maritime security and global trade,” Ahmed said at the debate. “We condemn such acts, including the recent Red Sea incidents, and support the Secretary-General’s call for restraint, and protection of navigation routes.”
