Houthi Missile Attack on Commercial Ship in Gulf of Aden Kills Three Sailors
In a tragic incident that highlights the escalating tensions in the Middle East, a Houthi missile attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden has resulted in the deaths of three sailors. This marks the first fatalities reported since the Iran-aligned Yemeni group began targeting shipping vessels in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes.
The attack took place on Wednesday when the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching a missile at the Liberian-owned, Barbados-flagged ship True Confidence. The vessel was set ablaze approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen’s port of Aden. The US military’s Central Command reported three fatalities and at least four injuries, with three individuals in critical condition. The ship also suffered significant damage.
Aerial photos released by the US military depict the ship’s bridge and cargo engulfed in flames, showcasing the devastating aftermath of the attack. The Central Command condemned these “reckless attacks” by the Houthis, emphasizing that they not only disrupt global trade but also claim the lives of international seafarers who are simply doing their jobs.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, confirmed the group’s involvement in the attack through a prerecorded message. He stated that their missile fire ignited the vessel and declared that these assaults would only cease once the “siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza is lifted.”
Following the missile strike, the crew members abandoned the ship and deployed lifeboats. The US warship and the Indian navy were present at the scene, attempting to assist in rescue efforts. However, it remains unclear how many crew members were on board at the time of the attack.
The United Nations has called on the Houthis to halt all attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric expressed serious concern about the ongoing attacks, emphasizing the risks they pose to property, life, and the ecology of the area.
The Houthi fighters in Yemen have been launching drones and missiles against international commercial shipping since mid-November. They claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians and in opposition to Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip. These attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing companies to reroute their vessels on longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa.
The True Confidence, the targeted ship, is owned by the Liberian-registered company True Confidence Shipping and operated by Greece-based Third January Maritime. Both companies released a joint statement clarifying that the ship has no connection to the United States. However, it is worth noting that the vessel was previously owned by Oaktree Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based fund that finances vessels in instalments.
Despite the US-led air raids on the Houthis, which have been ongoing for over a month and a half, the group has proven resilient and capable of launching significant attacks. Recent incidents include an attack on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, which sank after drifting for several days, as well as the downing of a US drone. The USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer involved in the US campaign against the rebels, was also targeted by the Houthis. The US military responded by launching an air raid that destroyed three anti-ship missiles and three bomb-carrying drone boats.
In response to these events, Saree reiterated the Houthis’ determination to continue their attacks until the aggression is halted and the siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza is lifted. The situation remains tense, and it is uncertain how this conflict will unfold in the coming days and weeks.