Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have led shipping companies to divert their routes, causing delays and increased costs. Since November 2021, there have been 26 reported attacks by the Houthi rebels, who have targeted both commercial and military vessels. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of international shipping lanes in the region.
The recent attack on a Houthi drone by the USS Laboon highlights the ongoing threat posed by the rebels. The Houthi missiles are believed to originate from Iran, as an Iranian frigate in the Red Sea is equipped with anti-ship missiles. The international shipping companies, including Mediterranean, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd, have decided to take alternative routes to avoid the dangerous waters.
Furthermore, several coalition countries, such as France, Spain, and Italy, have taken independent measures to protect their own fleets. The French, in particular, have started escorting their own vehicles, expressing a lack of trust in the United States' ability to handle the situation effectively.
Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg has criticized the current approach to the Houthi attacks, stating that merely talking about protecting fleets is insufficient. Kellogg suggests taking decisive action against the Houthi rebels, possibly by targeting the source of the attacks and even blockading their ports if necessary. He emphasizes that a firm response must be taken to restore trust and ensure the safety of the shipping lanes.
In addition to the maritime concerns, there has been controversy surrounding the lack of transparency regarding the health condition of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Austin's recent hospitalization at Walter Reed without public notification has raised questions about the level of transparency within the Pentagon. The Defense Department's failure to inform the American public has been criticized, as it undermines trust in the National Command Authorities, which require clear communication and transparency during such matters.
The incident has led to doubts about the Pentagon's willingness to be more forthcoming with information to the American people. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact of Austin's health condition on critical decision-making processes, such as those related to escalating tensions with Iran.
As of now, specifics about Austin's condition remain undisclosed. This lack of transparency has only deepened the public's concern and highlighted the importance of trust and confidence in the Defense Department's leadership.
Overall, with the increasing frequency of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the need for a more transparent communication approach from the Pentagon, it is evident that more decisive action is required in order to protect international shipping routes and maintain public trust.
