To initiate a war of aggression has been described as the supreme international crime. If a regional war breaks out in the Middle East, triggered by the illegal recent strikes by the USA and UK against the Houthis, Australia could well be complicit in the commission of the supreme international crime.

The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2722 on 10 January 2024 with regards to the situation with the Houthis in the Red Sea.

The Resolution rightly condemned in the ‘strongest terms’ the attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea and demanded that these attacks cease immediately. It also noted the right of Member States to defend their vessels from attacks, a crucial proviso being that any such actions should be in ‘accordance with international law.’

Importantly the Resolution emphasised, without specifically mentioning the crisis in Gaza, the need to address root causes. Finally, the Resolution also urged caution and restraint to avoid further escalation in the Red Sea and the broader region.

What is missing here?

Any authorisation for the use of military force against the Houthis in Yemen (as opposed to shooting down incoming missiles or drones as a defensive measure for vessels in the Red Sea).

Then on 11 January 2024, just one day after the Security Council passed the Resolution, we wake to hear that the militaries of the United States and the United Kingdom have struck targets in Yemen, supported by a small number of countries including Australia.

Whilst Australia has not deployed military hardware to the Red Sea, we have deployed Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to support the forces which conducted these strikes. The role of these personnel is unclear, but it likely includes operations and intelligence staff who would have been deeply involved in the planning of the strikes.

Participating in military action........

© Pearls and Irritations