SANA, Yemen: US and UK forces conducted joint strikes targeting Huthi positions after the rebels launched an attack on a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. The Huthi, have escalated their attacks in recent weeks, targeting vessels transiting the Red Sea, a key trade route. The US military’s Central Command confirmed a strike against a Huthi anti-ship missile, stating it was aimed into the Red Sea and ready to launch.
The British oil tanker, Marlin Luanda, was hit by Huthi-fired missiles, resulting in a fire onboard. The vessel issued a distress call, prompting a swift response from the US and UK forces. USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships rushed to the scene to provide assistance. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
This latest incident follows a series of Huthi attacks in the region, marking an increasing threat to maritime security. The rebels have declared US and UK interests as legitimate targets, and their attacks have disrupted trade in the Red Sea, responsible for around 12 percent of international maritime traffic. The US-led coalition aims to protect shipping in the region, comparing its efforts to a highway patrol for the waterway.
Yemen’s Huthis Fire Missiles at Ships in Red Sea
The Huthis began targeting Red Sea shipping in November, just ahead of crucial elections in Taiwan. The rebels claim to be hitting vessels with Israeli ties as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The attacks have drawn condemnation, and the US has sought to apply diplomatic and financial pressure on the Huthis.
The geopolitical tensions in the region have further heightened with a visit by two US lawmakers to Taipei to meet with President-elect Lai Ching-te. China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory, has criticized the visit as provocative. The Huthis’ actions are viewed as part of a broader conflict between regional powers.
In the face of these developments, global shipping firms are reassessing their routes, with some opting for the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to avoid the Red Sea. The situation adds to the challenges faced by the shipping industry, which has already been navigating disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
