Houthis admit attacking commercial tanker near Yemen
The Houthis Strike Again: Commercial Vessel Attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb
The Houthis, known for their militant control in Yemen, launched a daring attack on Tuesday, targeting a commercial vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb. This latest assault adds to the escalating tensions in the region, with the ongoing war in Gaza as a backdrop.
The victim of the attack was the motor tanker Strinda, a Norwegian oil and chemical tanker. The ship reported significant damage and a fire onboard following the strike. Thankfully, there were no casualties. The USS Mason, a destroyer patrolling the Red Sea, swiftly responded to the distress call, offering assistance to the Strinda.
“The Strinda reported damage causing a fire onboard, but no casualties at this time. There were no US ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS Mason responded to the Strinda’s mayday call and is currently rendering assistance,” stated the US Central Command.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sarea confirmed that the Houthis were responsible for the attack, emphasizing their intention to target ships with links to Israel due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
This is not the first time the Houthis have launched such attacks. In recent weeks, they have carried out a series of missile and drone strikes on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In response, US military personnel have been actively assisting the attacked ships. It is believed that Iran is providing support to the Houthis, as national security adviser Jake Sullivan recently stated that Iran is “fully enabled” in these attacks.
To address this growing threat, the US is collaborating with a combined maritime force consisting of nearly 40 nations. Together, they are working to establish a task force that will ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels in the region.
“The combined maritime force consists of 39 nations. And so, you know, I think, again, as we highlighted last week, this is an international problem,” explained Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder. “It’s an international concern, in terms of shipping being affected going through the Red Sea. And so, as we always do, the United States will work with like-minded nations to ensure that the safety and security and stability through that strait is preserved.”
There are growing calls for a more aggressive response from the US to these attacks, with several former senior military leaders urging a stronger stance.
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What are the potential consequences for the global economy if the flow of shipping is disrupted in the Bab el-Mandeb
Urrently providing support,” said Lieutenant Commander William Urban, spokesperson for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
The attack on the Strinda is not the first of its kind in the Bab el-Mandeb. In fact, it is the fourth in recent months. Earlier attacks targeted a Saudi oil tanker, a UAE-flagged vessel, and a Bahamian-flagged ship. All of these attacks have been attributed to the Houthis, who have been using drones and explosives-laden boats to target commercial ships passing through the strategic waterway.
The Bab el-Mandeb is a vital shipping route connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. It is a crucial passage for global trade, with over 10% of world trade passing through it. Any disruption to the flow of shipping in this area could have serious consequences for the global economy.
The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group, have been fighting against the Yemeni government since 2014. The ongoing war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians killed and millions displaced. The group has also targeted Saudi Arabia and its allies, launching numerous missile attacks on the kingdom. These attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb can be seen as an extension of their ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia.
The international community has condemned the Houthis’ actions and called for an end to the attacks on commercial shipping. The United Nations Security Council released a statement expressing concern over the situation and calling on all parties to respect international maritime law. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has also called for the protection of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb and urged the international community to address the issue.
In response to the attacks, the Saudi-led coalition, which is supporting the Yemeni government in its fight against the Houthis, has increased its military presence in the Bab el-Mandeb. The coalition has also called for international intervention to secure the waterway and protect commercial ships. However, finding a solution to the escalating tensions in the region will not be easy, as it requires a coordinated effort from all parties involved.
The attack on the commercial vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb is a stark reminder of the volatile situation in Yemen and the wider region. The ongoing conflict, fuelled by external powers and sectarian divides, has brought immense suffering to the people of Yemen and threatens the stability of the entire region. It is imperative for the international community to work towards a peaceful resolution and put an end to the violence and attacks on commercial shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb.
As of now, the investigation into the attack on the Strinda is ongoing, and it is yet to be seen how the international community will respond to these latest developments. However, one thing is clear – the situation in the Bab el-Mandeb cannot be ignored, and immediate action is needed to ensure the safety and security of commercial shipping in this crucial waterway.
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