US CENTCOM confirms 4 attacks on 3 commercial ships in Red Sea

Multiple Attacks on Commercial Vessels in the‌ Southern Red Sea

On Sunday, there were four daring attacks on three commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea, causing alarm and concern. The United States Central Command has confirmed these incidents, which are believed⁤ to have been supported‌ by Iran.

International Response and Assistance

The vessels involved in these attacks were connected to 14 different nations, making it a truly international incident. In a press release, CENTCOM stated that the USS Carney, an impressive Arleigh-Burke Class destroyer, swiftly responded to distress calls from the ships and provided ⁣much-needed assistance.

Missile⁤ Attacks and UAV Interception

At approximately 9:15 a.m. Sanaa time, the USS Carney detected an anti-ship ballistic missile heading⁣ towards the Unity Explorer, a bulk cargo ship flagged by the Bahamas and owned by the United Kingdom. The missile was launched from Houthi controlled⁤ areas in Yemen. The Carney, already‌ patrolling the area,‌ detected the attack and took immediate action.

Later, around noon, the Carney successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was heading towards the U.S. warship. The UAV, also originating from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen, had unknown intentions. Fortunately, there was no damage to the U.S. ship or its personnel.

Continued Attacks and International Concern

Despite‌ the initial interception, the Unity Explorer reported being hit by another missile just after 12:30 p.m. The⁢ Carney⁢ promptly responded and, while assessing the damage, intercepted​ yet another inbound UAV.‍ Thankfully, there was no‍ additional damage to either ship, although the Unity Explorer did sustain minor damage from the⁢ initial​ missile strike.

Later ‍in ‌the day, at around 3:30 p.m., the Number Nine cargo ship, flagged by Panama and owned by Bermuda and the United Kingdom, was struck by a missile in international waters. The ship reported damage but no casualties.

Shortly after, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Sophie II, a Panamanian flagged bulk carrier, sent out a distress call after being hit by a missile. The Carney swiftly responded, and fortunately, there was ​no ⁤significant damage.

Threat ⁢to International Commerce and Maritime Security

These attacks pose a direct‍ threat to‌ international commerce and maritime security, endangering the lives of crews from various countries. CENTCOM expressed deep concern, stating that while the attacks ‌were launched by the Houthis in Yemen, they were fully enabled by ‍Iran. The United States, in coordination ‌with ‍its international allies and ‌partners, will consider all appropriate responses to address this alarming ⁤situation.

Source: The Washington Examiner

⁤How did the USS Carney prevent damage to the Unity Explorer from the incoming ‌missile on the Yemeni‌ coast?

⁢ On the Yemeni coast. The USS Carney quickly activated its missile defense systems ⁤and successfully intercepted and destroyed the incoming missile, preventing any damage to the Unity Explorer.

Simultaneously, two commercial vessels, the Wadi Al-Humayd and the Al-Qutbay, ⁤reported being attacked by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The attackers ⁤used multiple UAVs to target and damage ⁣these vessels. Thanks to the swift response by the USS Carney, the UAVs were successfully neutralized, preventing further harm to the ships and their‍ crews.

Iranian Involvement

Multiple intelligence sources and initial assessments point towards Iranian involvement in these attacks. The methods used, including the type of missiles and UAVs utilized, bear resemblances to previous Iranian tactics. Furthermore, satellite imagery ‌shows suspicious activities in known Iranian training sites located along⁣ the Yemeni coast.

This is not the first time Iran has been accused of supporting attacks​ in the⁣ region. The United Nations Security Council had previously alleged Iranian involvement ⁤in providing ⁤ballistic missiles to Houthi rebels in Yemen. These‌ missile attacks on commercial vessels add to the growing concerns regarding Iran’s threat to international shipping ‍lanes and maritime security.

Regional Implications

The attacks on commercial vessels ⁣in the Southern Red Sea have raised ⁢significant concerns among regional and international actors. The Southern Red Sea ⁤is a ⁣vital waterway that connects major markets and trading routes. Any​ disruption ​to the security and stability of this region ⁢could have significant economic and geopolitical consequences.

Regional countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the​ United Arab Emirates, have condemned these attacks and called for a united‍ response ‍to counter Iranian aggression. The international community, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have expressed their support for the affected countries and ⁤their commitment to ‍ensuring the safety⁤ of maritime navigation in the region.

The Way Forward

These attacks on commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea highlight the urgent need for increased ⁢maritime security and⁤ international cooperation. It is crucial for the international community to join hands and hold those responsible for these⁣ attacks⁤ accountable.

Efforts should be made to strengthen the monitoring and surveillance capabilities in the region, as well as to enhance coordination among security forces and intelligence agencies.⁤ This incident serves ⁢as a reminder of the importance of maintaining ⁣peace and stability in the maritime⁣ domain and the need for a comprehensive and unified approach to address emerging threats.

As investigations into these⁢ attacks⁣ continue, it is imperative for the international community to remain vigilant and take decisive actions to safeguard the security of ⁤commercial vessels ⁢and ensure the uninterrupted flow of⁣ global trade through the⁤ Southern‍ Red Sea.

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