Yemen’s Houthi Militia Claims US and UK Airstrikes on Red Sea Port
Yemen’s Houthi militia has alleged that the US and UK militaries carried out two airstrikes on the Red Sea Ras Isa port in Yemen’s western province of Hodeidah. The port, which houses an oil export facility and is close to the decaying floating oil ship Safer, has been a focal point of global attention for several years. The US Central Command confirmed that its forces conducted an airstrike against an anti-ship missile that the Houthis were about to fire. The airstrikes came after the Houthis launched a ballistic missile at a tanker controlled by Trafigura, causing a fire.
Fire on Trafigura Ship Extinguished
Trafigura, an international trading corporation, announced that it had successfully extinguished a fire on one of its ships in the Red Sea. The fire was caused by a Houthi missile hit. The crew members of the tanker, Marlin Luanda, were able to put out the fire, and all are reported to be safe. Trafigura expressed gratitude to the Indian, US, and French navy warships for their support. The vessel is now sailing toward a safe harbor.
Houthis Claim Responsibility for Missile Attacks
In a statement, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching “a number of naval missiles” at the British oil ship. They stated that the action was in support of the Palestinian people and in retaliation for UK and US bombings in Yemen. The Houthis also launched an anti-ship ballistic missile towards the USS Carney in the Gulf of Aden, but it was intercepted by the US Navy.
Houthis’ Strategy and Environmental Concerns
Experts believe that the Houthis will continue to target US and UK ships, particularly oil tankers, to gain public support and remain in the spotlight. However, these attacks pose a significant risk of causing a catastrophic environmental disaster off Yemen’s coast. Nadwa Al-Dawsari, a Yemen conflict expert, stated that the Houthis are using propaganda and concealing weaponry within civilian infrastructures such as ports to provoke their enemies into bombing them. This allows them to exploit the footage for propaganda purposes.
Calls for Relief Organizations to Relocate
Yemen’s internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) has reiterated its demand for foreign relief groups operating in Yemen to transfer their headquarters from Houthi-controlled Sanaa to the southern city of Aden. The PLC chairman, Rashad Al-Amili, criticized the Houthis for forcing US and UK citizens working with UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations to leave Yemen within a month. The Yemeni government has expressed its willingness to facilitate international relief organizations that wish to operate in Aden.
Conclusion
The recent airstrikes on the Red Sea Ras Isa port in Yemen’s Hodeidah province have raised concerns about the ongoing conflict in the region. The Houthi militia’s missile attacks on oil tankers and the potential for an environmental disaster off Yemen’s coast highlight the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Additionally, the call for relief organizations to relocate from Houthi-controlled areas underscores the challenges faced by humanitarian efforts in Yemen. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for international actors to work towards finding a sustainable solution that prioritizes the well-being of the Yemeni people.