Houthi Forces Launch Major Attack on US Shipping in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
In a shocking turn of events, Houthi forces in Yemen have claimed responsibility for launching a major attack on US shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. According to their statement, they deployed an impressive fleet of 37 drones to target US navy warships and a commercial vessel. However, the US Central Command has refuted this claim, stating that they successfully thwarted the attack, shooting down only 15 drones instead of the alleged 37. The US has attributed this attack to the Iranian-backed Houthi forces, further escalating tensions in the region.
The Houthi forces, led by their military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, have hailed this attack as a success. However, they have failed to provide any evidence to support their claim. This lack of evidence raises questions about the true extent of the attack and its impact on the targeted ships.
Amidst this chaos, a Danish frigate named Iver Huitfeldt played a crucial role in repelling the Houthi attacks. The frigate successfully shot down four Houthi drones in the Red Sea on Friday night. Captain Sune Lund, the commander of Iver Huitfeldt, described the encounter, stating, “At a little after 4 am local time, we recognized a drone heading towards Iver Huitfeldt and the surrounding ships. After confirming it was an enemy drone, we engaged and defeated it. This happened three more times over the next hour.” The bravery and quick response of the Danish frigate highlight the importance of international cooperation in maintaining maritime security.
The commercial ship targeted in this attack was the Propel Fortune, which was flagged under Singapore. Despite issuing messages affirming its lack of connection with Israel, the Houthis claimed that it was linked to the US. This incident further highlights the complexity of the situation and the potential for misinformation surrounding these attacks.
The Houthi forces, who captured the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, in 2015, have stated that they are launching these attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This stance has propelled the group into international notoriety, drawing attention to their cause and raising concerns about their capabilities.
The US Central Command has emphasized that their actions are aimed at protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of international waters. They have described the Houthi attacks as a significant threat to merchant vessels, US navy ships, and coalition ships in the region. The severity of this dual attack, regardless of the exact number of drones involved, is deeply concerning for the US-UK force, which has been actively patrolling the Red Sea to eliminate the source of Houthi land attacks.
Earlier in the week, a Houthi attack on a Barbados-flagged ship named True Confidence resulted in the tragic deaths of at least three sailors. This marked the first instance of civilian casualties caused by Houthi missile and drone strikes. The loss of innocent lives underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, it is imperative for international powers to work together to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of maritime trade routes. The recent Houthi attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by naval forces in maintaining security in these volatile waters.
