In the latest escalation of tensions in the Red Sea region, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, part of the Ansar Allah movement, have launched a defensive operation against perceived threats from the United States and Israel, underscoring their commitment to protecting Yemeni sovereignty.
The incident unfolded when the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, Transworld Navigator, was reportedly attacked by Houthi forces near the port city of Hodeida. According to reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center, the vessel sustained moderate damage, crew members escaped with only minor injuries. This marks the fourth attack on the ship, which has recently been operating in Southeast Asian waters.
In response to these provocations, CENTCOM confirmed the minor injuries to the crew and indicated ongoing investigations into the incident. Meanwhile, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, citing defensive measures against what they perceive as unlawful incursions into Yemeni waters.
June 20 U.S. Central Command Update
TAMPA, Fla.- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed four Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea and two uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) over the Red Sea.
There were… pic.twitter.com/3gQXKrtxQO— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 20, 2024
Tensions have been exacerbated by the recent Israeli invasion of Gaza followed by genocide on Palestinians, prompting Ansar Allah to declare intentions to safeguard Yemen’s territorial waters and the crucial Bab al-Mandab Strait. They have vowed to block passage to ships until hostilities cease in Palestine, highlighting their solidarity with Palestinian rights.
“The repeated attacks on civilian ships in our region necessitate decisive action to protect our sovereignty and secure our maritime routes,” a Houthi spokesperson stated.
In response, the United States has mobilized an international coalition under Operation Prosperity Guardian, purportedly to ensure freedom of navigation but seen by many as an encroachment on Yemen’s territorial integrity. Reports have surfaced of joint British and American military strikes against Houthi military installations in Yemen, further exacerbating the situation.
Critics argue that these actions by Western powers risk escalating the conflict and jeopardizing regional stability. Yemen, already devastated by years of conflict and humanitarian crisis, finds itself once again at the center of geopolitical maneuvers that threaten to prolong its suffering.
