Houthis Revive Red Sea Attacks, Target Container Ship in Gulf of Aden

29th April 2024

Report : Yemeni Houthi rebels launch new attack on a container ship in the Gulf of Aden

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for an attack on the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Darwin in the Gulf of Aden on April 25th, raising fresh concerns about the security of vital shipping lanes. The attack, which coincided with renewed missile strikes against targets in Israel, marks a worrying escalation in regional tensions.

According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, the group targeted the MSC Darwin with missiles and drones. While the extent of damage remains unclear, reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations center (UKMTO) detail a loud bang and a plume of smoke observed by a nearby vessel, suggesting a potential near-miss. The incident comes amidst a recent resurgence of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

This renewed aggression appears linked to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Houthis, who receive backing from Iran, have expressed solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza and vowed to retaliate against Israel. This has manifested in a series of attacks targeting Israeli-linked ships and critical infrastructure in southern Israel.

The MSC Darwin incident, however, targeted a non-Israeli vessel. This broader targeting of commercial shipping raises the specter of a wider disruption to global trade. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are crucial waterways, carrying a significant portion of the world’s oil and container traffic. Disruptions in these areas can have a cascading effect on global supply chains and energy prices.

The international community has condemned the Houthi attacks. The United States, a key supporter of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The UN Security Council has also urged de-escalation and a return to peace talks.

Also Read : Britain Says Its Navy Shot Down Houthi Missile Targeting Merchant Ship

However, the situation remains precarious. The Houthis have shown little willingness to back down, emboldened by their recent military gains and their alliance with Iran. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict further complicates the issue, raising the risk of a wider regional conflagration.

The international community faces a delicate balancing act. While pressuring the Houthis to end their attacks on shipping, they must also address the root causes of the conflict in Yemen, which has created a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. Finding a peaceful resolution to the Yemeni civil war remains critical to ensuring long-term stability in the region and the safety of vital shipping lanes.

Conclusion

The Houthi attack on the MSC Darwin serves as a stark reminder of the fragile security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The targeting of commercial shipping threatens global trade and underscores the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to the Yemeni conflict. Without a peaceful resolution, the specter of further escalation and regional instability looms large.

Also Read : Houthi rebels Escalate Conflict: Leader Claims Operations in Indian Ocean