THREAD: iranbacked houthis
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RED SEA Chaos: Iranian-Backed Houthis Unleash Missile Attacks on Commercial Ships, US Destroyer Strikes Back
— 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.
— UK faces major cyberattack targeting critical infrastructure. Authorities confirm a sophisticated, unknown state-sponsored breach causing widespread disruption and prompting urgent security measures.
— Cyberattack Targets U.S. Banks. The Shadow Network hacking group has infiltrated major financial institutions, causing disruptions and risking data theft; authorities are investigating the breach linked to Eastern Europe and urging banks to strengthen cybersecurity.
— Boulder Attack: Man shouting “free Palestine” throws incendiary device at Israeli supporters, injuring six. The FBI labels it a targeted terror act amid rising antisemitic violence.
— California Wildfire Spreads Rapidly Amid Drought. The “Campfire II” has destroyed homes and prompted evacuations as firefighters battle the blaze fueled by dry conditions and high winds.
— Southeast Asia faces a major humanitarian crisis as floods and landslides displace over 2 million people. Authorities warn that ongoing weather and damaged infrastructure hinder rescue efforts amid mounting fatalities.
IRANIAN-BACKED Houthis Attack Ship in Gulf of Aden, Injure Mariner
— The Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship cruise missiles, striking the M/V Verbena in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen. The attack set the ship on fire and severely injured one civilian mariner. U.S. Central Command reported that the mariner was flown to another ship for medical treatment by a U.S. helicopter based on the USS Philippine Sea.
The M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier, was en route from Malaysia to Italy carrying wood when it was attacked. Central Command confirmed that the crew is still fighting fires on board. This incident marks another escalation in the Houthis’ campaign amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Earlier reports from British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center and private security firm Ambrey indicated that a vessel had been attacked and caught fire after making a distress call about being struck by a missile. The Houthis typically delay claiming responsibility for such attacks by hours or even days.
This attack follows another incident where Houthis launched a boat-borne bomb against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday. The rebels have been targeting shipping throughout this strategic corridor as part of their ongoing conflict with a Saudi-led coalition since seizing Yemen’s capital nearly ten years ago.
OPERATION PROSPERITY Guardian: Biden’s Strategy Crumbles as Houthis Successfully Target Maersk Ship
— Despite the Biden administration’s strategy to deter Houthi attacks, it seems to be falling short. The Times of Israel has reported a missile strike on a Maersk container ship in the Red Sea. This marks the first successful attack since an international coalition started patrolling this crucial waterway just ten days ago.
The USS Gravely was quick to respond to a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, intercepting two additional ballistic missiles. US Central Command (CentCom) confirms there were no injuries and that the ship remains operational. The attack happened shortly after Denmark joined the coalition and Danish-owned Maersk decided to resume shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin initiated “Operation Prosperity Guardian” on December 18 with support from ten nations against Houthi attacks on shipping routes. The Houthis aim is to cut off Israel’s Red Sea port of Eilat. However, this recent attack raises serious doubts about Biden’s strategy and its effectiveness in maintaining maritime security.
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