Houthi Missile Attack Claims Lives of Filipino Seafarers in Red Sea Assault
In a tragic turn of events, a Houthi ballistic missile struck a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the deaths of two Filipino seafarers. This marks the first fatal attack by the Iran-backed militant group in its ongoing assaults in the Red Sea. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, targeted the M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier. According to US Central Command, at least three crew members lost their lives, while four others sustained injuries.
The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the death of its nationals and reported that two other Filipino crewmen were severely injured in the assault. This incident signifies a significant escalation of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, which began in October as a response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike and stated that it was an “accurate” hit, causing a fire to break out on the ship. They further alleged that the ship’s crew had ignored warning messages from Yemeni naval forces. The Houthis, who currently control most of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, present themselves as the legitimate rulers of the country.
Expressing condolences over the deaths, International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of protecting crew members and ensuring that innocent seafarers do not become collateral victims. The United Nations’ shipping agency chief’s statement highlights the need for increased measures to safeguard those working at sea.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the attack, stating that the deaths were “sadly inevitable.” He criticized the Houthis for their reckless assaults, which have disrupted international commerce, endangered seafarers, and now tragically claimed innocent lives. Miller affirmed that the United States would continue to hold the Houthis accountable for their actions.
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have been a cause for concern, with more than 45 missile and drone attacks reported against commercial and coalition naval vessels. Fortunately, most of these attacks have been intercepted by US or coalition destroyers or have landed harmlessly in the water. However, over a dozen commercial ships, including several US vessels, have been hit since October.
To counter these attacks, the US and the United Kingdom have conducted four rounds of strikes against Houthi targets within Yemen. These strikes have targeted weapons and missile storage facilities, one-way attack unmanned aerial and air defense systems, radars, and helicopters. Additionally, US Central Command forces have regularly carried out dynamic strikes against Houthi missiles preparing to launch from Yemen.
Despite the robust presence of US and coalition forces in the Red Sea, the Houthi attacks have had a significant impact on shipping through the Suez Canal. The canal, which connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea, provides a shortcut for ships, saving thousands of miles on shipping routes. However, in the first half of February, the Suez Canal experienced a 42% drop in monthly transits and an 82% decrease in container tonnage compared to its peak in 2023.
The Biden administration has been grappling with finding effective measures to halt these attacks. The Houthi rebel group continues to strengthen its weapons stockpile in Yemen, making it challenging to assess the extent of destruction caused by US and UK airstrikes. The origin of these sophisticated weapons is believed to be Iran, as the Houthis receive ongoing support from the country.
The tragic loss of lives in this recent attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased efforts to protect seafarers and prevent further casualties. As the international community grapples with finding a solution to this ongoing conflict, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of those working at sea.
