In a significant escalation of tensions in the Red Sea region, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched two ballistic missiles targeting international shipping lanes, as confirmed by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday. This alarming development underscores the growing maritime threats in a region critical for global trade and energy supplies.
CENTCOM reported that two ships sailing in the southern Red Sea were the intended targets of these missile attacks. Fortunately, no vessels were struck, averting a potential maritime disaster. The incident marks a concerning rise in Houthi aggression against commercial shipping, posing a direct challenge to international maritime security.
The attacks are part of a broader pattern of Houthi offensives against vessels linked to Israel, seen as a retaliatory measure against Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Notably, the M/V Blaamanen, a Norwegian-flagged chemical and oil tanker, experienced a close encounter with a drone, while the M/V Saibaba, an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker owned by Gabon, reported a drone strike. Both incidents, fortunately, resulted in no casualties.
This surge in hostilities has led to significant disruptions in maritime operations. Major shipping companies, including BP, A.P. Moller-Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM, have suspended their activities in the Red Sea and rerouted their vessels, reflecting the heightened risk in the area. The suspension has had immediate economic repercussions, with global oil prices spiking by over 2% following BP’s announcement of halting operations in the region.
The White House has pointed fingers at Iran, accusing it of providing substantial support to the Houthis in these maritime attacks. National security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson stated, “Iran’s involvement in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea is evident, aligning with their long-standing material support and encouragement of the Houthis’ destabilizing actions in the region.” Iran, however, has consistently denied any involvement in the Houthis’ activities in the Red Sea.
In response to the escalating threat, the White House disclosed plans last week to potentially establish a naval task force dedicated to escorting commercial ships through the Red Sea. This move signifies the U.S.’s commitment to safeguarding maritime routes against growing regional threats.
Amid these developments, Iran issued a stark warning on Saturday, threatening to close the Mediterranean Sea if the U.S. and Israel persist with their “crimes” in Gaza. Iran, a staunch supporter of Hamas, has accused both the Israeli military and the U.S. of committing war crimes in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 20,000 Palestinian casualties since the conflict with Israel began in early October. The U.S., while firmly backing Israel’s right to self-defense, has urged the Israeli government to take greater measures to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.
This series of events in the Red Sea and Gaza highlights the intricate web of regional politics and conflicts, with far-reaching implications for international security and the global economy.
