August 13th 2024.
The situation in the Red Sea has taken a dangerous turn as suspected attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels have targeted ships in the area. This comes amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has fueled tensions and raised concerns of a larger regional conflict breaking out. The main sponsor of Yemen, Iran, is reportedly considering a retaliatory attack against Israel for the assassination of a Hamas official, Ismail Haniyeh, in late July.
These attacks have already caused disruptions in the flow of goods through the Red Sea, which sees around $1 trillion worth of trade annually between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It has also resulted in intense combat, with the US Navy facing its most significant engagement since World War II. The first attack occurred about 115 kilometers south of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, an explosive device detonated near a ship, followed by a small vessel acting suspiciously and flashing lights. A second explosion was then reported. Fortunately, the crew and the ship were unharmed.
Private security firm Ambrey also confirmed the attack, stating that the ship experienced two close-proximity explosions. Later on, another attack took place about 180 kilometers northwest of Hodeida, with an explosion sighted near a ship. It is unclear if it was the same vessel targeted in the first assault. The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attacks yet, but it is not uncommon for them to take hours or even days to do so. They have also claimed responsibility for attacks that have not occurred.
The Houthis have a history of targeting ships with missiles and drones, with over 70 vessels being attacked since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of four sailors, and the rebels have also seized one ship and sunk two others. Some of their missiles and drones have been intercepted by a US-led coalition, while others have fallen into the sea before reaching their targets.
The Houthis claim that their attacks only target ships connected to Israel, the US, or the UK, as part of their campaign to end the war. However, many of the ships attacked have no ties to the conflict, including those headed to Iran. The rebels have also launched drones and missiles towards Israel, with one attack on July 19 resulting in the death of one person and injuries to ten others in Tel Aviv. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Hodeida, targeting fuel depots and electrical stations. The rebels claim that these attacks caused casualties among civilians.
Following these airstrikes, the Houthis paused their attacks until August 3, when they targeted a Liberian-flagged container ship travelling through the Gulf of Aden. The rebels also carried out a series of intense attacks on a Liberian-flagged oil tanker on August 8. As tensions escalate, the US has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the area, along with the USS Georgia-guided missile submarine. Meanwhile, the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group is stationed in the Gulf of Oman, and additional F-22 fighter jets have been deployed to the region. The USS Wasp, a large amphibious assault ship carrying F-35 fighter jets, is also positioned in the Mediterranean Sea.
The situation in the Red Sea remains volatile as the Houthis continue their attacks, and Iran threatens retaliation. The US and its allies are on high alert, with their military presence in the region increasing. As tensions rise, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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