Houthi terrorists attack oil tanker in Gulf of Aden
Iranian-backed Houthi Terrorists Strike Oil Tanker, Disrupting Global Trade
In a brazen act of aggression, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists targeted an oil tanker near the Arabian Peninsula on Friday. Despite the ongoing threat posed by the group, President Joe Biden has yet to take decisive military action to put an end to their routine attacks that are wreaking havoc on global trade in the region.
Attack on the Oil Tanker
According to U.S. Central Command, the attack took place on January 26, when the Houthi terrorists fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from their controlled areas in Yemen. The missile struck the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda, causing significant damage. The distressed ship immediately issued a call for help.
Thankfully, the USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships swiftly responded to the distress call and are currently providing assistance. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
Disturbing images of the ship circulated online, showing brave fire-crews battling to extinguish the blaze that engulfed the ship’s deck.
The ship, operated by Trafigura, was carrying “Russian naphtha purchased below the price cap in line with G7 sanctions,” as reported by Reuters.
Location and Response
The incident occurred approximately 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
UKMTO confirmed that a merchant vessel had been struck by a missile and was still ablaze. Coalition warships are currently on the scene, providing support to the vessel. Thankfully, all crew members are reported to be safe.
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Self-Defense Strike
In the early morning hours of Saturday, CENTCOM announced that it had conducted a self-defense strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile.
According to CENTCOM, the missile was located in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region. In response, U.S. forces swiftly identified, targeted, and destroyed the missile, ensuring the safety of international waters and protecting the freedom of navigation.
How did the crew of the U.S. Navy destroyer assist the damaged tanker?
5), a U.S. Navy destroyer, was in the vicinity and promptly responded to the distress call. The crew of the Carney rendered assistance to the tanker, carrying out damage control procedures and providing medical support to the injured crew members.
Disrupting Global Trade
The attack on the oil tanker is yet another example of the Houthi terrorists’ disregard for international law and norms. These repeated acts of aggression directly disrupt global trade and threaten the stability of the Arabian Peninsula. The tanker targeted in this attack was transporting a significant amount of oil, highlighting the impact such attacks can have on the global economy.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted oil tankers and infrastructure in the region, including previous attacks on oil refineries in Saudi Arabia. This pattern of behavior not only poses a threat to regional peace and security but also creates economic uncertainty and instability. It is imperative that decisive action is taken to put an end to these attacks and safeguard global trade routes.
Biden Administration’s Response
The lack of a strong response from the Biden administration is deeply concerning. Despite promising a tough stance on Iran during his presidential campaign, President Biden has yet to take decisive military action to address the Houthi threat. The international community, especially the Gulf nations and key stakeholders in global trade, expect the United States to take a leadership role in addressing and curbing the activities of the Houthi terrorists.
It is essential for the Biden administration to work closely with its allies and partners to develop a comprehensive strategy that not only neutralizes the immediate threat but also addresses the root causes of Houthi aggression. This should include ensuring the security of maritime trade routes, disrupting Houthi supply chains, and holding Iran accountable for its support of these terrorists.
The Importance of International Cooperation
The attack on the oil tanker serves as a stark reminder of the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism and maintaining global peace and stability. The Houthi terrorists, with their Iranian backers, pose a significant threat not only to the Arabian Peninsula but to the entire international community.
The United Nations and other multilateral organizations must play an active role in supporting regional efforts to counter the Houthi terrorists. It is crucial for nations around the world to condemn these acts of aggression and support measures that prevent the flow of weapons and resources to the Houthi rebels. By standing united against terrorism, nations can help ensure the safety of trade routes and protect the global economy from further disruption.
In conclusion, the attack on the oil tanker by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists highlights the urgent need for decisive action to address this ongoing threat. President Biden and his administration must prioritize the security of global trade routes and work closely with allies to neutralize the Houthi menace. Through international cooperation and a firm stance against terrorism, we can safeguard peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the region and around the world.
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