Yemeni Houthi Rebels Claim Missile Attack on US Ship in Gulf of Aden
Yemeni Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a US ship in the Gulf of Aden. The rebels announced the attack on their social media, stating that their “naval” forces had targeted the Chem Ranger with naval missiles, resulting in direct hits. The Chem Ranger is a Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker sailing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Kuwait.
Growing Tensions in the Region Disrupt Global Trade
The attack on the US ship comes amid growing tensions in the region’s sea lanes, which have disrupted global trade and raised concerns about supply bottlenecks. Attacks by the Houthi militia on ships in and around the Red Sea have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers. These attacks have escalated the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza.
US Launches Strikes Against Houthi Anti-Ship Missiles
In response to the attacks, the US military has launched new strikes against Houthi anti-ship missiles aimed at the Red Sea. The targeted missiles were considered an imminent threat to shipping and US Navy vessels in the region. Despite these strikes, the attacks by the militants have not stopped, prompting President Joe Biden to affirm that the US military response will continue.
Houthi Threats to Target US Ships
The Houthi rebels claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians and have threatened to target US ships in response to American and British strikes on their positions. The strategy pursued by President Biden aims to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East while punishing the Houthis. However, security and military experts suggest that limited military strikes and sanctions may not be enough to halt the attacks.
Impact on Shipping Traffic and Suez Canal
The attacks on the shipping route in the Gulf of Aden have significant implications for global trade. This route accounts for about 15 percent of the world’s shipping traffic and serves as a vital conduit between Europe and Asia. The alternative route around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope adds considerable time to journeys compared to passage via the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
The attacks have also affected the revenue of the Suez Canal, dealing a blow to Egypt’s already deteriorating economy. The chairman of the Suez Canal Authority reported a 40 percent decline in revenue in the first 11 days of January. Wheat shipments via the canal have also dropped by almost 40 percent in the first half of the month.
Supply Chain Concerns and Congestion at Ports
The Red Sea crisis is causing disruptions in the business world and raising concerns about stretched supply chains. The re-routing of vessels is altering refueling patterns and increasing demand for bunker fuel at far-flung ports. Major shipping lines, including Denmark’s Maersk, have instructed hundreds of commercial vessels to avoid the Red Sea.
Officials at ports in Italy and France are worried about being bypassed as ships steer away from the main Mediterranean route. While there are no significant logistical issues yet, the situation remains a concern. If the crisis persists, vessels traveling around Africa may call in at Morocco and transfer goods to other ships to serve the Mediterranean.
In conclusion, the missile attack on a US ship in the Gulf of Aden by Yemeni Houthi rebels has raised tensions in the region and disrupted global trade. The US military has responded with strikes against Houthi anti-ship missiles, but the attacks continue. The impact on shipping traffic and the revenue of the Suez Canal is causing concerns about supply chains and congestion at ports. The situation remains uncertain, and further actions may be necessary to address the ongoing threat posed by the Houthi rebels.