Missile Attack on Greek Ship Off Yemen Coast
A Greek ship was severely damaged by missile fire from Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen, creating a distress signal due to water intake in the hold. This incident has drawn international attention as it highlights the ongoing security threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions, where these Iranian-backed militants have repeatedly targeted commercial and military vessels.
The US Middle East Military Command (Centcom) confirmed intercepting five drones in the region, neutralizing threats to other ships navigating these crucial waterways. On the same day, Britain’s maritime safety agency, UKMTO, reported that a ship had sustained damage from missile strikes, affirming the vessel was en route to a nearby port for damage assessment and crew safety checks.
International Response and Multinational Forces
Since November, Houthi rebels have escalated their attacks in this strategically significant maritime corridor, citing their actions as expressions of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Prominent shipping routes such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have become increasingly hazardous as tensions between Houthi forces and international fleets continue to rise. The United States, in alliance with the United Kingdom and other nations, has formed a multinational force aiming to safeguard these essential trade routes. Despite military interventions, the insurgent group has sustained their offensive, targeting vessels linked to Israel, the US, and the UK.
Escalating Conflict and Security Precautions
On Monday, Centcom successfully countered a drone posing an imminent threat to merchant ships, showcasing the persistent vigilance required in this volatile region. Just hours earlier, Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for multiple assaults on commercial and military ships, although independent confirmations of these incidents were absent. These maritime aggressions have prompted urgent advisories for heightened alertness among ships traversing these waters.
Greek shipping sources confirmed that the affected ship, named LAX and flying the Marshall Islands flag, was moving towards a nearby port for assessing the extent of the incurred damage. According to maritime security firm Ambrey, this attack underscores the need for stringent security measures and international cooperation to mitigate risks posed by such maritime conflicts.
- The Houthi group's spokesman, Yahya Saree, recently declared a series of targeted operations against American warships and Israeli-affiliated vessels in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, utilizing a combination of missiles and drones. This statement aligns with the breakdown of their offensive strategy, which has transitioned through multiple phases since October, progressively extending their assault range and objectives.
- In response, the US-led coalition conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions within Yemen, intended to suppress the maritime guerrilla tactics employed by these rebels. However, retaliatory movements by the group indicate a persistent challenge in neutralizing their capabilities.
