THREAD: houthi missile

HOUTHI MISSILE Strike on US and Israeli Vessels Heightens Maritime Tensions

26 April 2024 — The Houthis have targeted three ships, including a U.S. destroyer and an Israeli container ship, heightening tensions in crucial maritime routes. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea announced plans to disrupt shipping to Israeli ports across multiple seas. CENTCOM confirmed the attack involved an anti-ship missile aimed at the MV Yorktown but reported no casualties or damage.

In response, U.S. forces intercepted four drones over Yemen, identified as threats to regional maritime safety. This action highlights ongoing efforts to protect international shipping lanes from Houthi hostilities. The situation remains tense with continued military engagements in this key area.

An explosion near Aden has underscored the unstable security conditions impacting maritime operations in the region. British security firm Ambrey and UKMTO have observed these developments, which align with increased Houthi hostility towards international shipping following the onset of the Gaza conflict

RUSSIAN Oil Tanker ENGULFED: Houthi Missile Strike Sparks Fear in Gulf of Aden

30 January 2024 — A Houthi missile strike recently ignited a Russian oil tanker, the Marlin Luanda, in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel was carrying Russian naphtha when it was targeted. The attack resulted in a fire breaking out in one of the cargo tanks. Fortunately, the blaze was put out promptly and no crew members were injured.

The incident prompted immediate reactions from other vessels in the area. Another oil tanker quickly reversed its course to escape potential danger. Meanwhile, U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) took action to neutralize an imminent threat posed by a Houthi anti-ship missile towards merchant and U.S Navy vessels operating nearby.

The attack has had economic repercussions as well, causing a 1% surge in oil prices due to concerns over potential disruptions to oil flow through the Red Sea region. This event marks the most severe Houthi assault on oil tankers till date and serves as a stark reminder that even Russian oil is not safe from Yemen’s Iran-backed insurgents’ attacks.

Interestingly, despite targeting a vessel carrying Russian cargo managed by London-based Oceonix Services Ltd., Houthis claimed their target was actually a “British ship”. This discrepancy could potentially fuel geopolitical tensions moving forward.

US STRIKES BACK: Protecting Commercial Ships from Houthi Missiles in Yemen

18 January 2024 — The US has launched strikes on roughly a dozen missiles owned by the Houthi rebels in Yemen, an official stated. These missiles were reportedly being primed to target commercial ships navigating the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

This move comes after a previous US strike on a stockpile of anti-ship ballistic missiles, owned by the Houthis. The action was taken in direct retaliation to a missile fired at US vessels present in the Red Sea.

Houthi forces have openly claimed responsibility for ongoing attacks on merchant vessels and have issued threats against US and British ships. Their campaign is part of their support for Hamas against Israel.

This recent attack by the Houthis is the first one acknowledged by the US since they initiated strikes last Friday. This follows weeks of relentless assaults on shipping within the Red Sea region. Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates on this developing story.

US-Owned Ship UNDER FIRE: Houthi Rebels Escalate Red Sea Tensions

16 January 2024 — In a recent escalation of Red Sea tensions, Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on a U.S.-owned ship, the Gibraltar Eagle. The strike occurred off Yemen’s coast in the Gulf of Aden and comes less than a day after an anti-ship cruise missile targeted an American destroyer in the same area. Responsibility for these attacks has been claimed by the Houthis, following American-led strikes against rebel forces.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that this latest attack happened approximately 110 miles southeast of Aden. The captain of the ship reported that a missile struck the port side from above. Private security firms Ambrey and Dryad Global identified the attacked vessel as Eagle Gibraltar, registered under Marshall Islands’ flag as a bulk carrier.

The U.S military’s Central Command has confirmed this strike but reports no significant damage or injuries aboard Eagle Gibraltar which continues its voyage undeterred. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, Houthi military spokesman, took responsibility for this attack during his televised address on Monday night.

Saree declared all American and British ships involved in aggression against Yemen as hostile targets during his address. These attacks are causing disruptions to global shipping amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza — impacting vital routes linking Asian and Middle Eastern energy and cargo shipments to Europe via Suez

RED SEA Chaos: Iranian-Backed Houthis Unleash Missile Attacks on Commercial Ships, US Destroyer Strikes Back

04 December 2023 — Central Command has verified four missile attacks on three commercial ships in the Red Sea. One of these was an Israeli-owned vessel. The Houthis in Yemen initiated the attacks, but they were “fully backed by Iran,” according to a statement released Sunday. The USS Carney, a U.S. destroyer, retaliated by shooting down two drones.

The assaults started at 9:15 a.m. local time when the Carney detected an anti-ship missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen at the M/V Unity Explorer. This ship is flagged by Bahamas and U.K owned with crew members from two nations. However, USNI News and Balticshipping.com report that Tel Aviv-based Ray Shipping owns it.

Around noon, Carney responded to and shot down a drone also launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Central Command stated that it was uncertain whether the drone specifically targeted CARNEY or not but confirmed no damage to the U.S vessel or injuries to personnel.

These attacks pose a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security,“ Central Command said in its statement. It added that it would consider appropriate responses ”in full coordination with its international allies and partners.