Yemeni Houthi rebels have launched multiple attacks on ships in the Red Sea, prompting the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier to the region. The attacks, which targeted Israeli and Liberian-flagged vessels, have raised concerns about escalating tensions and threats to maritime security.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched a series of attacks in the Red Sea, targeting ships and raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region. On Monday, three small Houthi vessels attacked the Panama-flagged, Israeli-owned MT Bently I off the coast of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The attack was aborted after 15 minutes when the vessel conducted self-protection measures.
Later the same day, the MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned oil tanker, was attacked by a Houthi drone. The drone impacted on the port side of the vessel, causing damage and light smoke. Both ships and all crew were reported safe.
Houthi Attacks in Red Sea Escalate, U.S. Aircraft Carrier Deployed
The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt to the Middle East to replace the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which has been countering Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The carrier deployment is intended to provide security for the key international trade route, which has been under assault since the Israel-Hamas war erupted nine months ago.
The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, but their attacks have primarily targeted third-country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict. Many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to Israel or the United States.
Houthi Attacks in Red Sea Escalate, U.S. Aircraft Carrier Deployed
The Houthis are backed by Iran, which has provided them with military support and training. The Iranian support has enabled the Houthis to launch increasingly sophisticated and long-range attacks that threaten maritime security in the region.
Last week, the Houthis launched missiles at a U.S.-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Aden, marking their longest-range attack yet on a U.S.-flagged vessel. The attack targeted the Maersk Sentosa, the world's biggest shipping company.
The United States has responded to the Houthi attacks by conducting airstrikes against their positions in Yemen. On May 30, U.S.-led airstrikes killed at least 16 people and wounded 42 others, according to the rebels.
The Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea pose a significant threat to maritime security. The attacks disrupt international trade, increase insurance costs, and threaten the lives of seafarers. The deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt is intended to deter further attacks and ensure the safety of vessels transiting the Red Sea.
The escalation of tensions in the Red Sea has raised concerns about a wider war in the Middle East. Iran has threatened to retaliate against the United States for any attacks on its Houthi allies. The situation remains volatile, and the potential for further conflict remains high.
