Houthis strike US vessel with ballistic missile
Engaging Title: Iranian-Backed Militants Strike US-Owned Ship in Yemen
In a daring act of aggression, Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from their stronghold in Yemen, targeting a U.S.-owned container ship. The attack occurred on Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the international community.
On Jan. 15 at approximately 4 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and operated container ship. The ship has… pic.twitter.com/gixEMaUiVT
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 15, 2024
According to reports, the missile successfully struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, causing a fire in one of its cargo holds. British Maritime Security firm Ambrey revealed that three missiles were launched, but only one found its mark. The ship’s captain confirmed that the missile hit the vessel’s port side, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has urged all vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity in the area. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region.
Eagle Bulk Shipping, the operator of the targeted vessel, released a statement assuring that the ship remains stable and is heading out of the danger zone. Thankfully, all crew members onboard have been confirmed as uninjured. The ship was carrying a valuable cargo of steel products at the time of the attack.
#Breaking: The Eagle Gibraltar, owned by Eagle Bulk in Connecticut, (not Israeli owned) was hit by a Houthi-fired missile off Yemen’s coast, causing a fire onboard but no casualties. pic.twitter.com/WrxlH82Gx7
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 15, 2024
“This is the 30th attack on commercial vessels by the Houthis since November 19th,” Fox News pointed out.
In a separate incident, U.S. fighter aircraft successfully intercepted an anti-ship cruise missile fired by the Houthis towards the USS Laboon. This action took place in the southern part of the Red Sea, near the port city of Hodeida. The Houthis, who seized control of Yemen’s capital city, Sanaa, in 2014, continue to pose a significant threat to maritime security in the region.
As tensions escalate, the international community remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation in Yemen and its potential implications for global security.
What are some potential implications for global trade and energy supplies if there is a disruption to maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?
Ships operating in the area to exercise extreme caution and maintain a heightened state of alertness. The incident highlights the escalating tension in the region and raises concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The attack on the U.S.-owned ship is believed to be the latest in a series of Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on international vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strategic waterway, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is a crucial shipping route for oil tankers and other commercial vessels. Any disruption to maritime traffic in this area could have significant implications for global trade and energy supplies.
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been engaged in a protracted war with the internationally recognized Yemeni government since 2015. Their aggressive actions, including missile attacks and maritime assaults, have not only targeted military installations but also civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping. These attacks have been denounced by the international community as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
While Iran has denied direct involvement in the Houthi attacks, there is ample evidence linking the two. The sophisticated ballistic missile systems used by the rebels bear a striking resemblance to Iranian-made weaponry. Moreover, the Houthi rebels have received extensive financial and military support from Iran, further solidifying the connection.
The attack on the U.S.-owned container ship underscores the need for a coordinated international response to address the Houthi threat. The United States, in particular, has a responsibility to protect its citizens and assets abroad. The Biden administration must work closely with its regional allies, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to develop a comprehensive strategy that not only neutralizes the Houthi threat but also addresses Iran’s role in fueling the conflict.
In addition, the international community should exercise greater vigilance in monitoring and intercepting illicit arms shipments to the Houthi rebels. The United Nations Security Council should impose stricter sanctions on those countries and entities found to be providing material support to the Houthis. Furthermore, maritime security measures should be enhanced in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to deter future attacks and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels.
As this latest attack on a U.S.-owned ship demonstrates, the Houthi menace poses a significant threat to regional stability and global security. It is crucial for the international community to work together to counter this aggression and uphold the principles of international law. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for the safety of maritime trade and peace in the region.
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