Houthis remain undeterred by new task force for vessel protection
Rebel Faction in Yemen Vows to Continue Attacking Commercial Vessels Despite US-Led Coalition
A leader of the Houthis, a rebel faction in Yemen, has defiantly declared that their attacks on commercial vessels in Middle Eastern waters will not be halted by a new coalition formed to protect them. Mohammed Albukhaiti, a member of the organization’s ruling council, emphasized that their war is a moral one, and no amount of alliances formed by America will deter them from their military operations.
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In recent weeks, the Houthis have launched over 100 one-way drone and ballistic missile attacks on 10 merchant vessels. One notable incident involved the hostage-taking of 25 crew members on the merchant vessel Galaxy Leader, who remain captive in Yemen. The group claims that these attacks are in response to Israel’s actions against Hamas in Gaza.
Albukhaiti further criticized the participating countries in the coalition, stating that their involvement in protecting those responsible for genocidal crimes is a disgrace. He argued that if America had taken the right approach, it could have compelled Israel to cease its crimes without escalating the conflict.
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Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recently held a virtual meeting with defense leaders from 43 countries, the European Union, and NATO to address the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in Middle Eastern waterways. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, in a readout of the call, highlighted that these attacks have already impacted the global economy and will continue to pose a threat to commercial shipping if the international community fails to unite in addressing the issue.
Austin had previously announced the formation of a coalition called “Operation Prosperity Guardian” to protect merchant vessels. This coalition, falling under the anti-piracy naval Task Force 153, includes warships from the United States, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain.
Red Sea Trade Disrupted as Shipping Companies Seek Alternative Routes
Roughly 10-15% of global trade passes through the Red Sea, making it a vital waterway. However, due to the Houthi attacks, several shipping companies, including BP, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM Group, have decided to suspend usage of the Red Sea and reroute their shipments through the Cape of Good Hope. This diversion significantly delays the delivery of goods by weeks.
U.S. Central Command has confirmed two more attacks on ships near the Bab el Mandeb Strait, controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthis. The attacks involved a drone strike on the Cayman Islands-flagged tanker Swan Atlantic, causing damage but no injuries, and an explosion in the water near the cargo ship Clara.
Over the weekend, the USS Carney successfully intercepted and destroyed 14 drones launched by the Houthis.
Concerns and Criticisms Surround the Task Force
Iran’s Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani expressed concerns about the formation of the task force, predicting that it would create “extraordinary problems.”
While the U.S. has not responded militarily to the Houthi attacks, some have criticized this approach. Former commanders of U.S. Central Command and Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, have called for a military response. Wicker questioned the effectiveness of the task force and urged the Biden administration to take decisive action to restore deterrence and protect American sailors and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
How can the international community hold those responsible for the Houthi attacks accountable for their actions
Stressed the importance of a coordinated and cohesive response to the Houthi attacks, emphasizing that the safety and security of commercial vessels and the freedom of navigation must be protected. He called on the international community to work together to counter this threat and hold those responsible for the attacks accountable for their actions.
Increasing Concerns Over Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict in Yemen, exacerbated by the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, has led to an alarming humanitarian crisis. Yemen is already facing severe food and medical shortages, and the attacks only worsen the situation. The United Nations has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks in order to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
It is crucial for the international community to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution. The Houthi attacks on commercial vessels not only threaten the stability of the region but also hinder efforts to provide much-needed aid and support to the Yemeni population.
Conclusion
The defiant stance of the Houthi rebel faction in Yemen, vowing to continue attacking commercial vessels despite the US-led coalition, raises serious concerns about the safety of international shipping and the overall stability of the region. The international community must come together to condemn these attacks, hold the perpetrators accountable, and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen.
Furthermore, efforts should be intensified to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and provide the necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. It is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the protection of civilian lives and respect international humanitarian law.
Ultimately, a peaceful and stable Yemen is not only in the best interest of the Yemeni people but also crucial for regional security and global stability. The international community cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the ongoing conflict and its devastating consequences. Concrete actions must be taken to restore peace and secure the well-being of the Yemeni population.
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