US and UK forces conducted a third round of strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen in an effort to suppress their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. A US defense official confirmed that American forces successfully destroyed multiple anti-ship missiles on Tuesday, which the Iran-backed militants were preparing to launch from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen. However, in a disconcerting turn of events, the Houthis claimed to have carried out a direct hit on another carrier shortly after the US strikes. According to the Houthi statement, the targeted carrier was allegedly transporting missiles destined for Israel.
The recent wave of US strikes in Yemen aims to hinder the Houthis' ability to threaten international shipping lanes, which has significantly disrupted global maritime trade. Several major shipping companies have been forced to reroute their vessels around Africa, resulting in substantial delays and increased costs. The US has been actively seeking to degrade the Houthi's missile-launching capabilities, which encompass various types of projectiles such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. However, while the strikes have had some success in hampering the militants, the Houthis have not been entirely neutralized.
A few hours after the US strikes, the Houthis managed to launch an anti-ship ballistic missile towards a Maltese-flagged carrier, resulting in minor damages. Fortunately, the vessel was able to continue its journey without any significant impediments. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis, especially in relation to international shipping. Just the day before, on Monday, a US-owned and operated vessel, the Gibraltar Eagle, also suffered minor damages from a Houthi missile attack, but was able to proceed on its course without casualties.
Given the persisting danger, the US Transportation Department has revised its advisory to US-flagged or US-owned ships, urging them to avoid the Red Sea until further notice. This more stringent recommendation comes in response to the escalating frequency of Houthi attacks and aims to safeguard ships traversing this critical waterway. It is important to note that this advisory initially had a predetermined end date, but due to the ongoing threats, it has been extended indefinitely.
While the US and UK strikes were aimed at restoring safety and security to the Red Sea, the recent events have highlighted the continuing turbulence in the region. The Houthi attacks not only pose a threat to international shipping but also have broader implications for global commerce. The international community remains vigilant as efforts to address this persistent challenge continue.
