Houthi Attacks on US Warship and British Oil Tanker in Gulf of Aden
In a shocking turn of events, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched attacks on a US warship and a British oil tanker, causing chaos and raising tensions in the Gulf of Aden. The recent assaults on vessels transiting the Red Sea are believed to be a response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region.
The targeted oil tanker, named the Marlin Luanda, was operated on behalf of the trading firm Trafigura. The company confirmed that a missile struck the vessel as it made its way through the Red Sea. The tanker was carrying Russian naphtha, which had been purchased below the price cap in line with G7 sanctions. This attack on an oil tanker assumes significance as previous attacks by the Houthis were primarily on container ships and oil tankers using the Red Sea for transportation.
Meanwhile, a US warship, the destroyer USS Carney, also fell victim to the Houthi aggression while passing through the Gulf of Aden. This incident is being hailed as one of the biggest confrontations at sea with Western forces in the Middle East in decades. It is worth noting that this is the first time the Houthis have directly targeted a US warship since their assaults on shipping began in November last year.
According to a US official who spoke to the news agency Associated Press, these attacks mark a major escalation in Houthi aggression. The US Central Command confirmed that the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile towards the USS Carney. Fortunately, the missile was successfully shot down by the warship, and no injuries or damage were reported.
The UK government has responded to these attacks by asserting that Britain and its allies reserve the right to respond appropriately. A government official stated, “We have been clear that any attacks on commercial shipping are completely unacceptable and that the UK and our allies reserve the right to respond appropriately.” The attack on the oil tanker, flagged as Marshall Islands, has raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
Interestingly, while the Houthi military spokesperson acknowledged their naval forces’ operation on the oil tanker, they have not yet claimed responsibility for the attack on the USS Carney. This raises questions about their motives and the extent of their aggression.
The intensified attacks on vessels in the Red Sea are viewed as acts of aggression by the Iran-backed rebels. These repeated assaults have disrupted global trade, adding to the challenges faced by countries already grappling with Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The US and Britain have responded to these attacks with multiple rounds of airstrikes in recent weeks.
As tensions continue to rise in the Gulf of Aden, it remains to be seen how countries will navigate this complex situation. The safety of commercial shipping and the stability of the region are at stake, making it imperative for all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to this escalating conflict.
