US Forces Hit Houthi Munition in Yemen Targeted at Sea

Houthis persist in Threats against Key Red Sea Trade Route

The escalating conflict in Yemen saw US forces targeting the Iran-supported Houthi-held zone early Saturday. They struck an anti-ship missile prepared for a launch, only hours after a similar munition set ablaze a UK tanker in the Gulf of Aden. The report is from credible information gathered by Reader Wall.

Coordinated Efforts by US, UK to Thwart Houthi Attacks

Joint offensive operations have been launched by the military forces of both the US and the UK. Their strategic goal is the neutralization of the Houthi’s capacity to carry out attacks on vessels navigating the crucial Red Sea trade route. The rebels claim these attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where there is active conflict with Israel. Regardless of unilateral US air raids, the Houthis maintain their aggressive resolve to retaliate.

Successful US Retaliation

The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) reported another strike on Saturday morning. The target was an anti-ship missile possessed by the Houthis aimed at the Red Sea and primed for launch. In this successful counter-attack, the forces destroyed the missile as a self-defensive action, according to a statement released on a social media platform.

Direct Houthi Strike on British Oil Tanker

On the preceding evening, a direct strike by Yemeni naval forces hit the Marlin Luanda, a British oil tanker. This resulted in the tanker catching fire, as confirmed by the Houthis’ military spokesman, Yahya Saree. CENTCOM substantiated the attack reporting that the ship had signalled distress call along with notifying the damage sustained. In response, the USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships rendered assistance, with no reports of injuries at the time.

Continuing Houthi Assaults on US, UK Interests

Previous to this incident, on Friday, the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile aimed at the Carney in the Gulf of Aden, as claimed by CENTCOM. Fortunately, the Carney effectively shot down the missile without any reported damage or injuries.

In an unwelcome disruption to global trade, the rebels have been targeting Red Sea shipping since November. They claim the action to be in protest against Israeli-affiliated vessels in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. Consequently, the Houthis now view US and British interests as legitimate targets.

US-led Red Sea Shipping Protection

The US is leading a coalition focused on safeguarding Red Sea shipping. The Pentagon likens this venture to a highway patrol specifically for the sea route. Additionally, the Washington administration is aiming to exert financial and diplomatic pressure on the Houthis. A particular focus, after a brief intermission following President Joe Biden assuming office, is the reclassification of Houthis as a terrorist organization.

Iranian Proxy Disruption of Red Sea Trade

The rebel attacks, said to an anti-Israel, anti-West alliance backed by Iran, have significantly upset normal operations in the Red Sea. The sea route facilitates approximately 12% of the total international maritime traffic. The volatile situation has led many shipping companies to abandon this waterway and opt for the longer, costlier route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa instead.

These difficulties heap more pressure on the industry already stressed by the Covid-19 pandemic. During this period, supply chain disruptions resulted in unprecedented freight rates.