In a significant military operation, the United States successfully thwarted an attack by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The US forces managed to shoot down ten drones and also target a ground control center of the rebel group. However, the Houthis retaliated by claiming that they had attacked an American merchant ship named KOI in the Red Sea, leading to concerns over maritime security in the region. Nevertheless, multiple maritime sources have debunked the Houthis’ claim, while the US and UK are yet to comment on the alleged aggression. Another maritime security company, Ambrey, reported an explosion on a vessel in the vicinity of Yemen, but details regarding the cause and origin of the incident remain undisclosed.
According to the US Army Central Command (Centcom), the Houthi drones and ground control center targeted posed a direct threat to the safety of US merchant and naval vessels in the region. The operation was conducted to ensure the freedom of navigation and enhance safety in international waters. Prior to this, the US military had also intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile and three Iranian drones operated by the Houthis. This incident marked the closest the Houthis had ever come to attacking a US warship.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, initiated a campaign against merchant ships in the Red Sea in protest of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. Their recent announcement that American and British warships are now targets has raised further concerns. The US and UK have been leading efforts to counter the Houthis’ attacks in the Red Sea, which have resulted in a significant decline of 38% in international maritime trade along this crucial trade route.
In response to the escalating situation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting with British counterpart Grant Shapps to discuss international actions aimed at holding the Houthis accountable for their illegal attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Additionally, the European Union is planning to launch a naval mission within three weeks to safeguard cargo ships, with seven countries having committed to provide mission aircraft or ships. The bloc is expected to approve the mission during its next meeting on February 19.
The Houthi attacks have had a significant impact on Italian commerce, leading to a considerable decline in maritime trade. As a result, the Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, is considering deploying planes to monitor and gather data on maritime trade in the region. According to Pentagon data, the Houthis have carried out over thirty attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November.