Suspected Houthis Target a Third Vessel in the Red Sea

Tuesday 13 August 2024 - 12:40

The Red Sea has become a focal point of international tension as Yemen's Houthi rebels allegedly targeted a ship on Tuesday. This incident marks the third in a series of assaults linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, further disrupting the vital maritime trade route and intensifying concerns about a potential escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.

These attacks occur at a particularly sensitive time, with Iran, the primary supporter of the Houthi rebels, contemplating possible retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh in July. This development has reignited fears of a broader regional conflict, adding complexity to an already volatile situation.

Reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center, run by the British military, indicate that the first attack took place approximately 70 miles south of Hodeida, a port city under Houthi control. An explosive device detonated near the ship, followed by suspicious activity from a small vessel that approached the ship and flashed a light, precipitating a second explosion.

Private security firm Ambrey corroborated these events, describing them as "two 'close-proximity' explosions." Hours later, a third attack was reported 110 miles northwest of Hodeida, with another explosion observed near the same ship.

Although the Houthis have not immediately claimed responsibility for these attacks, their pattern of delayed acknowledgment or occasional claims of attacks that may not have occurred complicates attribution. Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October, Houthi rebels have targeted over 70 vessels with missiles and drones, leading to the seizure of one ship and the sinking of two others. This campaign has tragically claimed the lives of four sailors.

The rebels assert that their targets are vessels linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom, framing their actions as an effort to pressure Israel to end its military operations in Gaza. However, many of the attacked ships have tenuous or no connections to the conflict, including some bound for Iran itself.

The Houthis' aggression extends beyond maritime targets. They have launched drones and missiles toward Israel, with a notable attack on July 19 resulting in one fatality and ten injuries in Tel Aviv. Israel swiftly retaliated with airstrikes on Hodeida, targeting fuel depots and electrical stations, which the rebels claim caused casualties.

After a brief pause in attacks following the Israeli strikes, the Houthis resumed their offensive on August 3, targeting a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Aden. A particularly intense series of attacks on a Liberian-flagged oil tanker began on August 8, believed to be the work of the rebels.

The escalating situation has prompted a significant military response from the United States. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has been ordered to expedite its arrival in the region. Additionally, the USS Georgia guided missile submarine has been deployed to the Middle East, while the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group maintains a presence in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. has also bolstered its air power in the area with F-22 fighter jets and positioned the USS Wasp, a large amphibious assault ship carrying F-35 fighter jets, in the Mediterranean Sea.

This robust military deployment underscores the gravity of the situation and the international community's commitment to maintaining stability in this crucial maritime corridor. The Red Sea, facilitating an annual flow of goods valued at $1 trillion, is an indispensable route for trade between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The ongoing attacks not only jeopardize this vital economic lifeline but also represent the most intense naval combat for the U.S. Navy since World War II.

As tensions continue to mount, the international community remains on high alert, closely monitoring developments in the region. The potential for further escalation looms large, with the interplay of regional powers and non-state actors creating a complex and unpredictable geopolitical landscape. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the situation or if the region will slide further towards a wider conflict.