The Houthis are said to have once again used their novel double-hit tactic in a new marine attack. This new strategy was used in the second known attack in five days, according to the most recent event. The crew of a cargo ship lost control of the ship as a result of the most recent strike. A small boat attacked the Greek-owned ship that was traveling to India following an aerial assault. There has been an increase in the Houthis’ military approach as they are now attacking target ships from the air as well as the sea.
The Iran backed Yemen’s Houthi rebels have taken the responsibility of the recent attack on a Greek ship. They claimed it to be a small missile and watercraft attack. Due to this the Greek cargo ship was in need of rescue at the Hodeidah port in the Red Sea. It is still not clear if the vessel has any kind of connection with Israel. The immediate report on any probable casualties is negative.
The Rise and Influence of the Houthis
With Iranian support, this group operates in Yemen and the Red Sea region.It is at war with Saudi Arabia and controls the capital city of Sana and other important parts of Yemen. The Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, are a Shiite Muslim political and military group based in Yemen. They originated in the northern Saada Governorate and gained prominence during the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011. Led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, they adhere to Zaidi Islam and advocate for a return to traditional Islamic values.
The Houthis have been involved in armed conflicts with Yemeni government forces and Saudi-led coalition troops since 2014. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with widespread devastation and civilian casualties. The Houthis have been accused of human rights abuses, including indiscriminate shelling and recruiting child soldiers. Despite facing military setbacks, the group maintains significant control in parts of Yemen, posing a continued challenge to regional stability and peace efforts. Efforts to negotiate peace and humanitarian aid have been ongoing amid the ongoing conflict.
Houthi Attacks in the Gulf of Aden
Since November they have been launching drone and missile attacks in the Gulf of Aden in the Red Sea. These actions are to support the Palestinians in Gaza under Israeli attack. Since November they have snuck one ship, killed three seafarers and seized one vessel. The Houthis claimed that the Tutor coal ship was heavily damaged in an attack on Wednesday. The ship was 126 kilometers southwest of Hodeidah port. The vessel is now vulnerable to getting sunk. They targeted this ship with drones, ballistic missiles and unmanned surface boats.
The attack caused damage and flooding in the engine room. The Liberian-flagged Tutor was taking on water and was not under the crew’s control, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which serves as a liaison between ship operators and military and security services. This was announced on Wednesday following damage to the engine room of the vessel.
Impact on Global Trade
According to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a white coloured small craft collided with the vessel. An unknown airborne projectile also collided with the vessel. A Greek official reported that the vessel was targeted twice by air and sea. Although no injuries were reported. The Tutor cargo vessel was on its way to India. The ship was loaded at the Port of Ust-Luga, Russia, later on discharged from Port Said, Egypt. It’s next destination was Aqaba in Jordan.
These attacks led by the Houthi group have impacted global trade. It is forcing the vessel owner to avoid the crucial choke point, ‘Suez canal.’ This has caused rerouting of vessels. In February retaliatory strikes were drawn from the UK and the US.
The Houthis also took responsibility for two joint militant operations in Iraq with Islamic Resistance. Islamic resistance is also an Iran backed armed group. They are known for targeting Israeli cities of Haifa and Ashdod.
The negotiations with the Houthi rebels continue with the simultaneous mediation for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This mediation is led by the United States along with Qatar and Egypt.
Conclusion
The Houthi rebels’ recent attack on a Greek-owned ship in the Red Sea underscores the persistent maritime threats in the region. Their actions, aimed at supporting Palestinians in Gaza, have led to significant damage and heightened tensions. This incident reflects the ongoing conflict’s complex dynamics and its far-reaching impact on international shipping and security. The international community must address these challenges to ensure maritime safety and regional stability.
