Houthi Missile Attack in Gulf of Aden Kills Two, Marks First Fatalities in Months-Long Campaign
In a shocking turn of events, Houthi militants in Yemen have launched a missile attack on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the deaths of two people. This incident marks the first known fatalities in the Houthis’ months-long campaign of violence against maritime traffic. The missile struck the MV True Confidence, causing significant damage to the cargo ship. At least six other mariners were injured, and the crew has been forced to abandon ship.
The attack took place at approximately 11:30 a.m. in Yemen, catching U.S. officials by surprise. Speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, two U.S. officials confirmed that this was the fifth anti-ship missile launched by the Houthis in the past two days. The area where the attack occurred has become an increasingly dangerous transit zone as Houthi forces intensify their targeting of ships. They claim that these actions are a response to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Rescue and salvage operations are currently underway, according to British marine safety firm Ambrey. Parts of the ship’s crew have already taken refuge in lifeboats, while an Indian navy vessel has been spotted in the vicinity of the affected vessel’s last known position. Ambrey initially reported that the Barbados-flagged cargo ship was drifting about 57 nautical miles from Yemen’s southwestern coast after another vessel reported an explosion nearby.
According to Ambrey, the cargo ship was traveling northwest when it was likely hailed by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni navy. They were ordered to change course, and after complying and sailing in a different direction, the ship started to drift and ceased transmitting its location and identification signal.
The ongoing war in Gaza has fueled Houthi attacks on merchant and military vessels in crucial areas such as the Gulf of Aden, the Red and Arabian seas, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These regions are vital for international trade and maritime traffic. Just this week, the cargo ship Rubymar sank in the Red Sea after an attack by Houthi militants, resulting in the loss of approximately 21,000 metric tons of fertilizer. This poses a significant environmental risk to one of the world’s busiest waterways and the home of many coral reefs.
In response to these escalating attacks, the United States and Britain have taken action against Yemen. Additionally, in December, Washington announced the formation of a new coalition of countries dedicated to countering Houthi attacks and ensuring freedom of navigation for all nations.
The recent missile attack in the Gulf of Aden serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by maritime traffic in this volatile region. As tensions continue to rise, it is imperative for international powers to work together to safeguard the freedom of navigation and protect innocent lives at sea.
