Tensions Escalate in the Red Sea: Houthi Attack on Merchant Ships
Houthi attacks on commercial vessels are behind rising tensions in the Red Sea. The Iranian-backed group has stepped up targeted attacks against Israeli-owned or operated vessels. The United States and its allies have launched a new mission to ensure security in the region.
Houthi forces in Yemen are emerging as the main cause of rising tensions in the Red Sea. The Houthis have stepped up their attacks against ships associated with Israel, which is seriously affecting commercial activities in the region. In recent months, Houthi attacks on Israeli-owned or operated vessels have increased, jeopardizing maritime transportation in the region.
US and Allied Response: Multinational Mission
In response to these attacks, the United States and its allies have launched a multinational mission called Operation “Protect Prosperity” to prevent attacks on merchant ships.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that this mission aims to enhance regional prosperity and security. In addition to the United States, the mission includes Bahrain, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles and Spain.
The Growing Threat to Commercial Ships
The Houthis announced that they would target any ship sailing to Israel. In this context, the Greek-flagged Zografia ship and the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd’s Al Jasrah were attacked. The MSC Palatium III, owned by a Swiss company, was also attacked. After the Houthi attacks, many shipping companies in the Red Sea, where a significant part of the world trade is carried out, decided to suspend their voyages.
US Defense Actions
The US is actively responding to Houthi attacks. The US military took action against the attacking vessels, protecting the Maersk Hangzhou merchant ship off the coast of Yemen, which the Houthis tried to seize. In addition, the warship USS Laboon shot down four Houthi-launched drones and intercepted two ballistic missile attacks.
This tension poses a serious threat to commercial and military activities in the Red Sea. Depending on the Houthi attacks and the international response, it remains unclear how the situation in the region will evolve. While the international community is considering diplomatic and military means to resolve this crisis, the security situation in the region is in constant flux.
