US Military Strikes Houthi Anti-Ship Missile in Red Sea
Tensions Rise in the Red Sea
The situation in the Red Sea has been escalating due to the actions of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Iran. It all started on October 31, 2023, when the rebels began seizing commercial ships off the coast of Yemen, claiming that they were affiliated with Israeli companies. This was their response to Israel’s attacks in Gaza, and they started attacking some of these ships with drones and missiles.
In response, US forces announced that they had shot down missiles and kamikaze drones fired from Yemen multiple times during this period. As a result of the actions of the Houthi rebels, many shipping companies decided to halt their voyages in the Red Sea.
To address the growing threat to global maritime trade security, the USA announced the formation of a multinational “maritime task force” called “Operation Welfare Guardian” on December 18, 2023. This task force includes the participation of a group of countries.
On December 31, 2023, three speedboats belonging to the Houthis, who were attempting to seize a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea, came under fire from US helicopters. Then, on January 10, the Houthis claimed to have targeted a US ship with missiles and kamikaze drones in the Red Sea, alleging that it was supporting Israel.
In response to these alarming developments, on January 11, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an immediate end to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. This resolution was submitted by the USA and Japan.
The Red Sea is a vital waterway for global trade, with approximately 12 percent of global trade passing through the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. It offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia.
The situation in the Red Sea remains tense as the international community seeks to address the escalating conflict and secure the vital maritime trade routes in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize peace and stability in the region.
