Houthi terrorists strike oil tanker using anti-ship missile
Houthi Terrorists Attack Oil Tanker in the Red Sea
In a daring act of terrorism, Houthi militants targeted an oil tanker on Monday evening as it sailed through the treacherous waters between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
The U.S. Central Command released a statement confirming the attack, stating that the Motor Tanker STRINDA was hit by an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen. The vessel reported damage and a resulting fire, but fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Despite the absence of U.S. ships in the vicinity, the USS MASON promptly responded to the STRINDA’s distress call and is currently providing assistance.
Private intelligence firms were quick to confirm the attack even before the U.S. military issued its official statement.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, part of the British military, issued an alert on Monday evening, warning of the vessel’s attack and the presence of flames on board.
UKMTO WARNING 004/DEC/2023-Update 001
ATTACK
Warnings-2023 (https://t.co/5An1YH0JyE)#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/Sxbsp8WV2Y
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 11, 2023
President Biden Faces Mounting Pressure to Respond
President Joe Biden is facing increasing criticism for his perceived lack of action in response to the Houthi terrorists’ attacks and other Iranian-backed extremist groups in the region. These groups have been relentlessly targeting U.S. forces since October 17.
According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conveyed to Biden that if the U.S. fails to take action against the Houthi terrorists, Israel will step in. This comes after the terrorist group has repeatedly targeted shipping vessels associated with Israel.
Multiple U.S. defense officials have expressed concerns about Biden’s approach to the situation, arguing that his attempts to avoid escalation are having the opposite effect. They question the lack of strikes on Houthi targets and demand a more decisive response.
Retired Vice Adm. John Miller, former commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, voiced his frustration, stating that the U.S. is not taking these attacks seriously and that they have gone unanswered for too long.
“We’re not deterring anybody right now,” Miller emphasized.
What are the potential economic consequences if the persistent threat posed by Houthi militants in the Red Sea is not addressed and the security and stability of the region are compromised
Of the Royal Navy, issued a warning to all maritime vessels in the area, advising them to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant due to the increased threat of Houthi attacks. The Red Sea is a crucial trade route for various countries, and any disruption in the region could have severe economic consequences.
The Houthi rebels, a militant group based in Yemen, have been engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Yemeni government and a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Yemen’s civilian population, causing a humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions.
In recent years, there have been several instances of Houthi attacks on international shipping. In 2018, two Saudi oil tankers were targeted by Houthi drones in the Red Sea. These attacks raise concerns about the safety and security of the vital shipping lanes in the region.
The Houthi rebels have repeatedly proven their ability to launch attacks in the waters of the Red Sea. They possess sophisticated weaponry, including missiles and drones, which poses a significant threat to commercial and military vessels alike. It is essential for the international community to take decisive action to counter the Houthi rebels and ensure the safety of maritime trade in the Red Sea.
This attack on the oil tanker STRINDA highlights the need for increased security measures in the region. It also underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen. The international community must redouble its efforts to facilitate negotiations between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels, in order to achieve a lasting ceasefire and bring an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Furthermore, countries exporting oil through the Red Sea must work together to develop a comprehensive security framework that effectively protects vessels and ensures the uninterrupted flow of trade. This may include increased patrols, enhanced surveillance, and cooperation between navies in the region to deter and respond to potential attacks.
The attack on the oil tanker STRINDA serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Houthi militants in the Red Sea. It is crucial for the international community to unite and take decisive action to address this threat and safeguard the security and stability of the region. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the economies of the countries reliant on the Red Sea for trade but also the wider global community.
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