Houthi Militants Target U.S.-Owned Commercial Ship in Latest Attack
In a brazen act of aggression, Houthi militants targeted a U.S.-owned commercial ship on Wednesday, signaling their determination to continue their attacks despite multiple rounds of U.S. military airstrikes. The attack took place in the Gulf of Aden, where the Houthi rebels launched anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Maersk Detroit, a U.S.-owned, flagged, and operated commercial vessel. Fortunately, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gravely intercepted two of the missiles, while the third fell harmlessly into the water. No damage or injuries were reported.
The United States has been conducting airstrikes against the Houthis since January 11th, aiming to degrade their capabilities after a series of attacks on commercial ships by the militant group. These airstrikes have taken two forms: wider-ranging strikes targeting storage sites and radar capabilities, and preemptive strikes aimed at intercepting Houthi missiles before they can be launched. The latter type of strike, known colloquially as “whack-a-mole” strikes, has become a daily occurrence.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized that these actions are necessary to restore security and stability to the Red Sea. “If they stop conducting these attacks, then there’ll be no further need to take these kinds of actions,” he stated. However, it is clear that the Houthis remain determined to carry out their attacks, as evidenced by Wednesday’s incident.
While the airstrikes have had a positive impact on degrading the Houthis’ capabilities, a senior military official acknowledged that the militants still retain some capabilities. The brief lull in attacks prior to Wednesday’s incident was likely due to the U.S. efforts to intercept missiles as they were being prepared for launch, rather than any change of heart on the part of the Houthis.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, emphasized that the Houthis’ continued attacks highlight the need for ongoing protection of shipping in the region. These attacks, which began in November as a protest against the war in Gaza, have targeted commercial ships with no connection to Israel, according to U.S. officials. The situation is further complicated by Iran-backed groups launching attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, adding to the tensions in the Middle East since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas.
As the conflict between the Houthis and the United States escalates, it is clear that the security of commercial shipping in the region remains a top priority. The U.S. military will continue its efforts to degrade the capabilities of the Houthis and protect vital shipping routes in the Red Sea. The international community will be closely watching as tensions rise and the situation unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing conflict.