24.08.2024 01:30
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen continue to target commercial and military ships in the Red Sea. According to a statement by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, the Houthis struck a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, causing a major fire. The Houthis shared the moment of the explosion on their social media accounts.
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have released footage of a Greek ship they targeted in the Red Sea.
The video, shared on Houthi media sources, shows scenes of a Greek ship being targeted and catching fire after hitting it, claiming that it violated the "access ban to Israeli ports".
Yesterday, the Houthis announced that they targeted a ship named MV Sounion for violating the "access ban to Israeli ports". The UK Ambassador to Sanaa, Abda Sharif, also announced that the crew of the MV Sounion, which was attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea, was rescued, while the heavily damaged ship remained stranded in the Red Sea.
LATEST UPDATE IN THE RED SEA
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have been seizing commercial ships belonging to Israeli companies in the waters off Yemen since October 31, 2023, in response to Israel's attacks on Gaza. They have also been launching attacks on some of these ships with unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. Following the Houthi actions, many shipping companies have decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea.
On December 18, 2023, the US announced the formation of a multinational "naval task force" called the "Guardian of Welfare Operation" with the participation of a group of countries, citing the threat to global maritime security. The US forces have announced that they have shot down several missiles and kamikaze drones launched from Yemen during this process. The European Union (EU) launched the Aspides mission on February 19 to ensure navigation security in the Red Sea, while Italy joined this mission on March 5 through a parliamentary decision and took over tactical command. Approximately 12% of global trade is conducted through the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and provides the shortest route between Europe and Asia.