Houthi | Business Upturn

U.S. and UK launch airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

Aishi Saha — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 18:01:32 +0000

In a joint effort, the United States (U.S.) and Britain have launched a series of airstrikes targeting more than a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen. This action comes as a response to a recent surge in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on ships traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The coordinated strikes, which mark the fourth such operation by the two allies, aim to deter further attacks by the group, particularly following a recent missile strike that caused a cargo ship to catch fire.

According to U.S. officials, American and British fighter jets carried out the airstrikes, targeting approximately 18 sites across various locations. These targets included missiles, launchers, rockets, drones, and unmanned surface and underwater vehicles. The strikes were launched from the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea, under the directive of U.S. President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the targets beforehand.

Despite these counter-attacks, the Houthi militia has continued its campaign against shipping in the region, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Masirah TV, a prominent news outlet affiliated with the Houthi movement, reported nine airstrikes conducted by U.S. and UK forces in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) participated in the strikes, deploying four Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets supported by two Voyager fuel tankers. These airstrikes targeted long-range drones and their launchers, located northeast of Sanaa, which the Houthis use for reconnaissance and attack missions.

British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps underscored the importance of protecting maritime interests and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. He praised the RAF’s involvement in degrading Houthi capabilities and preventing further attacks on commercial shipping. Additionally, Shapps expressed gratitude to the personnel involved in executing the airstrikes.

The U.S. Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J Austin, noted that the joint operation received support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The strikes targeted various Houthi military assets, including underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, and air defence systems.

Despite these efforts, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh acknowledged that the Houthis have maintained their capabilities and continue to receive support from Iran. The recent increase in attacks underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the Houthi insurgency in Yemen and the broader implications for regional security and stability.

U.S. and UK conduct fourth round of strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen to safeguard Red Sea trade

Jennifer Philip — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 07:38:12 +0000

U.S. and UK military aircraft conducted a collaborative assault on 18 locations in Yemen held by Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, on Saturday. This marks the fourth coordinated operation between the two nations, intending to diminish the Houthi’s capacity to pose a threat to maritime traffic along the crucial Red Sea trade passage.

In a joint statement, the Pentagon announced that the airstrikes targeted various Houthi facilities associated with underground storage, missile storage, drones, air defence, radars, and a helicopter. The statement emphasised that the strikes, deemed “necessary and proportionate” by the U.S., aimed to disrupt and diminish the capabilities utilised by the Houthis to endanger global trade, naval vessels, and the safety of innocent sailors in one of the world’s most crucial water routes.

Furthermore, it highlighted the Houthi’s responsibility for over 45 attacks on commercial and naval ships since mid-November, underscoring the risk posed to the global economy, regional security, and stability, necessitating an international response. The statement also noted the involvement and support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand in carrying out the strikes.

After the recent airstrikes, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasised the United States’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives and facilitating uninterrupted commerce in one of the world’s most crucial maritime routes. He stated that the U.S. stands ready to take necessary measures to uphold these priorities. Moreover, Austin reiterated the U.S.’s pledge to support regional allies and ensure the security of the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps asserted the UK’s obligation to safeguard lives at sea and uphold freedom of navigation. He stated that the Royal Air Force’s participation in the “fourth wave of precision strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen” was aimed at fulfilling this responsibility.

Additionally, the U.S. military reported the destruction of seven Houthi mobile anti-ship missiles, which were being prepared for potential attacks. The Houthi rebels have been conducting assaults on vessels in the Red Sea, alleging ties to Israel and Western powers, as a response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

The conflict in Yemen dates back to 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and significant portions of the country, triggering a civil war. They have since been met with opposition from a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The prolonged conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing famine, disease, and displacement.

The Red Sea serves as a vital shipping lane, connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is crucial for the transportation of oil and gas from the Middle East. Any disruption or escalation of hostilities in this region could have severe repercussions on global trade and energy supplies.

Houthi-struck cargo ship oil spill sparks environmental crisis fears

Jennifer Philip — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 07:37:29 +0000

A cargo vessel left adrift in the Gulf of Aden following an attack by Houthis, backed by Iran, is now leaking oil, posing an escalating environmental threat, warned U.S. Central Command on Friday. The Rubymar, flying the Belize flag, registered in Britain, and operated by Lebanon, was carrying flammable fertilizer when it was struck by a missile on Sunday, as claimed by the Yemeni rebels. The crew was safely evacuated to Djibouti after the attack caused water ingress into the engine room and damage to the stern, according to the vessel’s operator, Blue Fleet Group.

According to Blue Fleet CEO Roy Khoury, a second missile struck the vessel’s deck without inflicting significant damage, as reported by AFP. CENTCOM confirmed that the ship is currently anchored but is gradually accumulating water. Additionally, it has left behind an 18-mile oil slick.

In a statement on X, previously known as Twitter, it was mentioned that the M/V Rubymar, carrying more than 41,000 tons of fertilizer, faced the risk of spilling its cargo into the Red Sea, exacerbating the environmental crisis. The ship’s operator indicated on Thursday that there were plans to tow the vessel to Djibouti within the week.

Khoury confirmed that the ship remained buoyant and provided an image taken on Wednesday depicting its stern submerged in the water. When asked about the potential sinking of the Rubymar, Khoury stated that while there was currently no immediate risk, there remained a possibility. The attack on the Rubymar marks the most substantial damage inflicted on a commercial vessel since the Houthis began targeting ships in November. They claim this campaign is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict sparked by the terror group’s actions on October 7.

The Houthis have also launched ballistic missiles and drones at the southern Israeli city of Eilat. These attacks have led some shipping companies to reroute around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, which typically handles about 12 per cent of global maritime trade. The UN Conference on Trade and Development recently warned that commercial traffic through the Suez Canal had dropped by over 40 per cent in the past two months.

Suspected Houthi attack sets UK-owned ship on fire near Yemeni coast

Jennifer Philip — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:11:51 +0000

A cargo ship near Yemen’s southern coast was attacked with missiles, resulting in a fire onboard. The vessel, named Islander, is UK-owned and Palau-flagged, travelling from Thailand to Egypt. U.S.-led naval forces are reacting to the incident, where two missiles targeted the ship approximately 70 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen.

This information was reported by British maritime agencies, Ambrey, and ship tracking data. Since November, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi insurgents have conducted multiple drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden. In January, U.S. and British forces initiated counterattacks on Houthi installations in response to the group’s actions, which they claimed were motivated by their support for Palestinians in Gaza.

While no ships have been sunk nor crew killed in the recent Houthi attacks, concerns persist regarding the fate of the Rubymar cargo vessel, which was struck on February 18. Although the Houthis claimed the Rubymar was at risk of sinking, a U.S. defence official stated that as of Thursday, the ship remained afloat.

These attacks are disrupting a vital route responsible for approximately 12% of global maritime traffic, forcing companies to take longer and more expensive routes around Africa. Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM noted in a Tuesday report that Houthi assaults on cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are becoming more frequent, presenting significant challenges to maritime operations and global trade.

Iran accuses Israel of sabotaging gas pipeline, fueling regional tensions

Aishi Saha — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:51:53 +0000

Iran has accused Israel of orchestrating a sabotage attack on a natural gas pipeline, resulting in multiple explosions. According to Iran’s Oil Minister Javad Owji, the attack was a deliberate plot by Israel to disrupt gas services and endanger the distribution network. However, Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, consistent with its usual approach to such operations.

The explosions occurred on February 14, damaging a gas pipeline stretching from Iran’s Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province to cities along the Caspian Sea. This pipeline, spanning approximately 1,270 kilometers, originates from Asaluyeh, a key hub for Iran’s offshore South Pars gas field.

The timing of the attack is significant, as it coincided with the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, marking 45 years since the revolution’s inception. Owji likened the incident to a series of unclaimed assaults on gas pipelines in 2011, further heightening tensions between the two nations.

Israel’s history of targeting Iran’s nuclear program adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Recent remarks by the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog highlighted concerns over Iran’s transparency regarding its atomic program. Amidst these developments, armed groups supported by Tehran, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen, have engaged in hostilities against Israel, exacerbating regional tensions.

The Houthi rebels, in particular, continue to pose a threat by targeting commercial shipping in the region, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite sustained airstrikes, the rebels demonstrate resilience, as evidenced by recent attacks on a ship in a strategic strait and the downing of a valuable American drone.

In parallel, suspected Israeli strikes have targeted Damascus, Syria, where Iran’s Revolutionary Guard members are believed to be present. These incidents underscore the broader geopolitical dynamics and proxy conflicts in the region, with Iran and Israel engaged in a protracted struggle for influence.

The accusations and counter-accusations between Iran and Israel underscore the volatile nature of their relationship and the potential ramifications for regional stability. As tensions persist, the international community closely monitors developments in the Middle East, mindful of the potential escalation of conflict and its broader implications.

Houthi attack forces crew to abandon British cargo ship in Gulf of Aden

Aishi Saha — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 17:07:33 +0000

A Belize-flagged, British-registered cargo vessel, the Rubymar, faced a harrowing ordeal as it was hit by missiles fired by the Houthi movement while traversing the Gulf of Aden. The attack, deemed one of the most damaging yet by the Iran-backed Houthis, prompted the crew to evacuate the ship amid fears of sinking.

The incident, occurring near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, underscores the escalating threat posed by Houthi strikes on maritime traffic in strategic waterways. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea claimed that the Rubymar sustained “catastrophic damage” from the attack, heightening concerns over the safety of vessels navigating through volatile regions.

Western efforts to deter Houthi aggression have thus far proven ineffective, as evidenced by the relentless barrage of missiles and drones launched by the group since mid-November. These attacks, ostensibly in solidarity with Palestinians in the conflict with Israel, have targeted merchant vessels and warships, disrupting maritime trade routes critical for global commerce.

The Rubymar incident follows a pattern of heightened tensions in the region, with US and British forces resorting to airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territories in response to the attacks on shipping lanes. Despite these measures, the frequency and severity of Houthi assaults continue unabated, posing significant challenges for maritime security and trade.

In a statement, UK maritime authorities confirmed the evacuation of the Rubymar’s crew following an explosion near the vessel. This latest attack serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by seafarers navigating through conflict zones, prompting concerns among shipping companies and industry stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for targeting another vessel, the Sea Champion, a Greece-flagged, U.S.-ownedcargo ship transporting grain from Argentina to Aden. The incident underscores the indiscriminate nature of Houthi attacks, which pose a threat to vessels of various nationalities and cargo types.

In response to the escalating tensions, the UK Prime Minister’s spokesman condemned the Houthi attacks and reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region. Naval patrols by HMS Diamond and HMS Richmond in the Red Sea aim to protect commercial shipping and ensure the safety of seafarers amid mounting security threats.

As maritime traffic grapples with the fallout of Houthi aggression, concerted efforts are underway to address the escalating crisis and safeguard vital trade routes in the region. However, the resilience of the Houthis and the complexity of the geopolitical landscape pose formidable challenges for maintaining maritime security and stability.

Houthi militants target cargo ships in Gulf of Aden

Aishi Saha — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:50:42 +0000

Yemen’s Houthi militants have escalated their campaign to disrupt global shipping, targeting cargo vessels in the Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war. The latest attack on the Rubymar, a Belize-flagged vessel, has left it badly damaged and at risk of sinking, according to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea. Despite the crew’s safe evacuation, the incident underscores the increasing threat posed by Houthi strikes in strategic maritime routes.

The Rubymar, managed by a Lebanese company and registered in Britain, was attacked with missiles on Sunday, forcing the crew to abandon ship. They were later rescued by another vessel and taken to Djibouti. The security firm responsible for the Rubymar’s safety confirmed that the ship was taking in water, raising concerns about its salvage.

This latest attack follows a series of Houthi drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait since November, prompting military responses from the U.S. and Britain. Despite no casualties or sunk ships thus far, the attacks have disrupted maritime traffic in a vital sea lane accounting for approximately 12% of global shipping.

In a separate incident, a Greece-flagged, U.S.-owned bulk carrier was targeted twice on Monday with missiles, causing damage to its window but no injuries to the crew. The vessel, en route from Argentina to Aden, highlights the indiscriminate nature of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping.

The shipping industry is feeling the impact of these disruptions, with vessels rerouting to avoid high-risk zones and facing increased costs and delays. Seafarers, recognizing the dangers, have signed agreements granting them the right to refuse sailing through the Red Sea and receive double pay in high-risk areas.

The Houthis’ targeting of vessels with ties to the U.S., Britain, and Israel has led to higher war risk insurance premiums and significant additional costs for shipping companies. The CEO of QatarEnergy, a major LNG exporter, noted delays in deliveries due to the disruptions.

In response to these incidents, shipping industry associations have called for the release of 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader commercial ship hijacked by the Houthis three months ago, emphasizing the plight of seafarers caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.

As maritime traffic continues to navigate through volatile waters, shipping companies must weigh the increased risks against the safety of their crews and the economic consequences of disruptions in key shipping lanes.

Cameron raises Human Rights concerns in talks with Chinese counterpart at Munich Security Conference

Aishi Saha — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 09:26:50 +0000

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron engaged in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the Munich Security Conference, conveying the UK’s stance on several critical matters, as per statements from the UK Foreign Office.

Cameron urged China to utilise its influence over Iran to address the actions of Houthi militants in the Red Sea region. Additionally, he reiterated the UK’s deep concerns regarding human rights violations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, drawing attention to the plight of British parliamentarians sanctioned by China and advocating for the release of media magnate Jimmy Lai.

In response, Wang stressed the significance of bolstering strategic communication between the two nations and assuming constructive roles in advancing security and peace initiatives. He underscored the necessity of expanding areas of mutual interest and effectively managing differences to enhance bilateral relations.

The appointment of Cameron, a former British Prime Minister, as Foreign Secretary under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration, sparked apprehension among certain members of the Conservative Party regarding the government’s stance towards China. While Cameron had previously lauded a “golden era” in UK-China relations in 2015, Sunak’s leadership has signalled a departure from this narrative, prioritising the balancing of national security interests with cooperation on trade and climate change.

Despite this shift in rhetoric, Cameron affirmed in December of the previous year that the UK would persist in engaging with China where such engagement aligns with British interests.

The exchange between Cameron and Wang underscores the ongoing diplomatic endeavours aimed at addressing crucial bilateral and global issues, notwithstanding the existing disparities between the two nations. Against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical tensions and heightened scrutiny of human rights violations, dialogue and cooperation remain indispensable for navigating the complexities of international relations.

As the international community grapples with an array of challenges, including geopolitical rivalries and humanitarian crises, concerted efforts towards dialogue and cooperation are imperative for fostering stability and advancing shared interests on the global stage.

Houthi rebels launch missiles at Iran bound cargo ship

Aishi Saha — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:47:56 +0000

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels launched two missiles at an Iran-bound cargo ship in the Red Sea early Monday, causing minor damage to the vessel but fortunately resulting in no injuries, according to U.S. military officials. This incident marks the first time the Houthis have targeted an Iran-bound vessel since initiating attacks on international shipping in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, as has been reported by shipping sources.

The U.S. Central Command announced on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that the missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards the MV Star Iris, a Greek-owned cargo vessel flying the flag of the Marshall Islands. The ship, en route to Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini port, was carrying a cargo of corn from Brazil at the time of the attack. Despite sustaining minor damage, the vessel remains seaworthy, and no crew members were harmed.

In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that the targeted ship was American. However, maritime-shipping trackers have confirmed that the vessel is Greek-owned and registered in the Marshall Islands. The Star Iris, identified as a large panamax bulk carrier, is managed by Athens-based Star Bulk Carriers, listed on the U.S. NASDAQ exchange. The Houthi rebels’ attack on the ship underscores their continued aggression in the region.

The attack on the Star Iris comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Houthis and international commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea. Since mid-November, the Houthis have repeatedly targeted ships with commercial ties to the United States, Britain, or Israel, prompting concerns and disruptions to maritime trade routes in the region. In response to previous attacks, some companies have opted for longer and costlier routes around Africa, bypassing the Red Sea altogether.

Although Iranian officials have not responded to requests for comment on the recent incident, the attack serves as a reminder of the volatile situation in the region and the potential impact on global maritime trade. As tensions persist, stakeholders continue to monitor developments closely, with concerns over the safety and security of vessels navigating through the strategic waterway.

Drone strike damages merchant ship off India’s coast

Dimple Gehlot — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 13:18:53 +0000

A drone strike on Saturday caused damage to a merchant ship off the coast of India, with no reported casualties, according to two maritime agencies cited by AFP. The targeted vessel, affiliated with Israel, caught fire in the Arabian Sea off India’s west coast.

Indian Defense officials shared that the Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is en route to MV Chem Pluto, a merchant vessel located 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast. The ship reported a fire suspected to be a result of a drone attack. MV Chem Pluto, transporting crude oil from Saudi Arabia to Mangalore, was the affected vessel.

Indian Navy officials noted that navy warships in the vicinity of MV Chem Pluto are also moving towards the distressed merchant ship outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

While the fire on MV Chem Pluto has been extinguished, it has impacted the vessel’s functioning. ICGS Vikram, deployed for the patrol of the Indian EEZ, redirected to assist the merchant ship. All crew, including approximately 20 Indians, are reported safe. ICGS Vikram has alerted nearby ships to provide assistance.

No party has claimed responsibility for the drone strike. This incident occurs amidst a series of drone and missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Iran has also faced accusations of carrying out attacks near its waters.

In the previous month, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was reportedly hit in a suspected drone attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Indian Ocean. The attacks on shipping since the start of the Israel-Hamas war have led major firms to reroute cargo vessels around the southern tip of Africa, despite increased fuel costs for longer voyages.

Houthi rebels, involved in more than 100 drone and missile attacks, have targeted merchant vessels from over 35 countries, according to the Pentagon.