Maersk Denies Houthi Claim of Drone Strike on Vessel
Danish shipping company Maersk has denied claims made by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement that they carried out a drone strike on a Maersk vessel sailing towards Israel. The Houthis had earlier claimed that they directly hit a Maersk container vessel with a drone, but did not provide any evidence to support their claim. Maersk, on the other hand, stated that their vessel, Maersk Gibraltar, was targeted by a missile while traveling from Salalah, Oman, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but was not hit and the crew and vessel were reported safe.
The incident occurred near the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Just a few days prior, the Houthis had claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a Norwegian chemical tanker in the same area. Maersk expressed concern over the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the strait, stating that it puts seafarer lives at risk and is unsustainable for global trade.
Yehia Sareea, a Houthi military spokesperson, stated that they had hit the Maersk container vessel with a drone after it refused to respond to their warnings. However, a US official, speaking anonymously, contradicted this claim and said that the Houthis shot at the Maersk vessel but missed. The official also mentioned that US forces were not in the area at the time of the incident. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed that the attack, carried out by a ballistic missile, did not cause any injuries or damages.
CENTCOM stated on social media platform X that the M/V Maersk Gibraltar was hailed by the Houthis, who threatened further missile attacks. While this incident did not involve US forces, CENTCOM continues to closely monitor the situation. The Iran-aligned Houthis have been targeting vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes and launching drones and missiles at Israel since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. These actions have raised concerns about a potential wider conflict in the Middle East.
The Houthis claim that their attacks are in support of the Palestinians and will continue until Israel stops its offensive on the Gaza Strip. However, their actions have been condemned by the international community as they pose a threat to maritime security and global trade. The Bab Al-Mandab Strait is a crucial shipping route, with thousands of vessels passing through it each year. Any disruption to this route could have significant economic consequences.
Maersk’s denial of the Houthi claim highlights the need for accurate information and evidence when assessing such incidents. It is essential to rely on verified sources and conduct thorough investigations before attributing blame. The safety of seafarers and the security of global trade should be prioritized, and any attempts to disrupt these must be addressed swiftly and effectively.
As tensions in the region continue to escalate, it is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions. The international community should work together to de-escalate the situation and prevent further attacks on commercial vessels. Maintaining open and secure shipping lanes is vital for global trade and economic stability.
In conclusion, Maersk has denied the Houthi claim of a drone strike on their vessel, emphasizing that it was targeted by a missile but not hit. The incident near the Bab Al-Mandab Strait raises concerns about maritime security and global trade. Accurate information and evidence are essential in assessing such incidents, and diplomatic efforts should be made to de-escalate tensions in the region.