Red Sea: Tensions rise, multiple attacks repelled – 2024-02-29 08:06:44

The German frigate Hessen (F221), which was deployed in the Red Sea as part of the European Union’s naval mission to protect international shipping, repelled an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels for the first time, according to German Agency sources. The sources clarified that the German naval vessel destroyed two targets yesterday Tuesday afternoon.

It is the first time the German armed forces have used their weaponry as part of this mission, which began on Friday and is considered one of the most dangerous they have undertaken in decades.

The Houthis, who are considered close to Iran and control almost all of northern Yemen, have been launching attacks since November 19 against merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, especially those they say are “connected” to Israel, in a show of “solidarity ” to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, amid the Israel/Hamas war.

The Shields mission was approved by EU foreign ministers last week. It envisages the deployment of European warships and aerial warning and control systems in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.

Forces participating in the mission are under orders to open fire on rebel elements only if they come under fire or if commercial or warships in the area are threatened by drones or missiles. The command and control center of the mission is located in Larissa.

5 drones shot down

US warplanes and an international coalition ship destroyed yesterday Tuesday from 21:50 to 22:55 (Sanaa time; 20:50 to 21:55 Greek time) over the Red Sea five remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles of one direction of the rebels Yemen’s Houthis, who are considered close to Iran, announced via X (the former Twitter) the joint command of the US armed forces responsible for the Middle East region (CENTCOM, “central command”).

The drones posed an “imminent threat” to commercial and US naval vessels in the area, CENTCOM added, using its now standard terminology for such operations.

What do the Houthis answer?

Yemen’s Houthi rebels reiterated on Tuesday that they would consider ending their drone and missile attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden only after Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip end.

Asked if they would stop actions of this nature if a truce was declared, Mohammed Abdulsalam, a spokesman for the Ansar Allah (“Supporters of God”) movement, better known as the Houthis after the family name of its leaders, told Reuters news agency that the situation will only be reviewed if the siege of the Palestinian enclave is ended and the unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid to Gazans is allowed.

“Operations to help the Palestinian people will not stop until the Israeli attack and siege ends.” in the Gaza Strip, emphasized the representative of the Shiite rebels, who are considered close to Iran.

The Houthis, who control almost all of northern Yemen, have been launching attacks since November 19 against merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, especially those they say are “connected” to Israel, in a show of “solidarity” with the Palestinians in Gaza Strip, in the middle of the Israel/Hamas war.

SOURCE: APE-ME