In a recent development, Yemen’s Huthi rebels have claimed responsibility for yet another attack on a US ship, heightening tensions in the Gulf of Aden. The Iran-backed rebels asserted that their naval forces successfully targeted an American vessel, identified as the Chem Ranger, with multiple naval missiles, resulting in direct hits. This comes after the United States initiated fresh strikes on rebel targets in response to their ongoing aggression against vessels in and around the Red Sea.
The US military’s Central Command confirmed the Huthi attack on the Chem Ranger, a Marshall Island-flagged, US-owned, Greek-operated tanker. According to the statement, the rebels launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the vessel, but the crew reported that the missiles impacted the water near the ship, causing no injuries or damage.
The incident adds to a series of Huthi attacks on shipping lanes, particularly in the waters around Yemen, since the eruption of the conflict in Gaza on October 7. The rebels justified their actions as a response to what they referred to as “the oppression of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip” and a reaction to “American-British aggression against our country.”
In response to the continued Huthi aggression, the United States and British forces have carried out strikes in Yemen. The latest US counterstrikes targeted Huthi positions on Thursday, marking an attempt to deter further attacks. US President Joe Biden acknowledged that these counterstrikes have yet to dissuade the rebels, emphasizing the likelihood of continued attacks.
The maritime risk management community, including British company Ambrey and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), reported the incident involving the Chem Ranger, which is a chemical tanker sailing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Kuwait. An Indian warship responded to the event, ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew as it proceeded to its next port.
Major shipping firms have already rerouted vessels away from the Red Sea region due to the escalating attacks, impacting maritime traffic in the area. Russia has called for a cessation of US strikes, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, while Denmark announced its decision to join the coalition supporting air strikes against the Huthis.
As tensions persist in the Red Sea region, concerns rise over the potential for further escalation and the impact on international shipping routes. The international community closely watches developments in Yemen, seeking ways to address the root causes of the conflict and facilitate a diplomatic resolution.
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