On Monday, the Guardian reported that Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed victory after a Belize-flagged cargo ship was at risk of being sunk by two projectiles fired by the group. ing.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Salih said in a televised address that the ship suffered “extreme damage” and was “in potential danger.”[ly] “It's sinking in the Gulf of Aden,” the outlet said. report. “During the operation, we ensured the safe evacuation of the ship's crew,” Sally added. (Related: Pentagon investigates spy drone crash near Houthi-controlled Yemen)
Houthis claim cargo ship at risk of sinking in Red Sea attack https://t.co/nnRSZq1Y7H
— Crawford Killian (@Crof) February 19, 2024
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) appears to have confirmed the details provided by a Houthi spokesperson. UKMTO tweeted that the crew of the vessel attacked by the Houthis had “abandoned” the ship. In the same update, '[v]Essel is anchored and all crew members are safe.''[m]Military authorities remain on the scene to provide assistance. ”
UKMTO Warning Update 003
attackhttps://t.co/qlApy9q9pq#Maritime Security #MarchSecond pic.twitter.com/1YY5GI4tJJ
— UK Maritime Trading Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) February 19, 2024
In a tweet, UKMTO did not comment directly on whether the ship had sustained enough damage to be at risk of sinking. Nevertheless, the incident marks the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war that the crew has had to abandon ship due to Houthi attacks, Ynet said. report.
“We are not confident [of the ship’s condition]. There is currently no one on board,” a spokesperson for the ship's security company LSS-SAPU said, The Guardian reported. “The owners and managers are considering towing options,” the spokesperson added.
The Houthis have declared an ongoing blockade of all cargo entering the Red Sea and surrounding waters since November in a show of solidarity with Gaza residents, the Guardian reported. The blockage had the effect of reducing Egypt's total weekly toll revenue from the Suez Canal by 40%, the newspaper said.
The United States has accused Iran of supplying and supporting the Houthis. On February 15, the US Coast Guard seized a ship carrying advanced Iranian weapons that was scheduled to be delivered to the Houthis. The United States, along with Britain, also launched “self-defense strikes” against Houthi targets seeking to disrupt trade in the vital commercial waterway.
“Our goal is not to completely eliminate the ability of the Houthi forces. Our goal is to disrupt and degrade their ability to carry out attacks,” said Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. said at a press conference on February 5th.
