US Sailors from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group render assistance to distressed mariners at sea in the Red Sea, June 15. (Image source: DVIDS)
In a coordinated response to a recent surge of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the United States and partner forces have destroyed multiple Houthi radar sites and drones, according to an update statement by US Central Command (CENTCOM) released on Monday, June 17.
This action comes on the heels of a separate CENTCOM report detailing the Iranian-backed Houthis’ missile attack on cargo ships M/V Tutor and M/V Verbena last week.
Recap on the Houthi Attacks
On June 12, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels targeted the M/V Tutor, a cargo ship flagged by Liberia and owned and operated by Greece. They used an unmanned surface vessel (USV) to attack the ship, causing significant damage to the engine room and flooding.
Tragically, one crew member is still missing. The remaining crew abandoned the ship and were thankfully rescued by a combined force, including the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). The M/V Tutor is currently adrift in the Red Sea, taking on water.
In a separate incident on June 13, the M/V Verbena, a cargo ship flagged by Palau, owned by Ukraine, and operated by Poland, was struck by two missiles from the Houthis.
Adding further fuel to the fire, a separate CENTCOM update revealed that an Iranian frigate, the IRIN Jamaran, was positioned a mere eight nautical miles from the M/V Verbena when the distressed cargo ship issued a distress call.
The report scathingly criticized the Iranian vessel for failing to respond and render assistance.
The M/V Verbena’s crew was ultimately rescued by another vessel, the M/V Anna Meta, after being forced to abandon ship due to uncontrollable fires ignited by the Houthi attack.
In a coordinated response to a recent surge of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the United States and partner forces have destroyed multiple Houthi radar sites and drones, according to an update statement by US Central Command (CENTCOM) released on Monday, June 17.
This action comes on the heels of a separate CENTCOM report detailing the Iranian-backed Houthis’ missile attack on cargo ships M/V Tutor and M/V Verbena last week.
Recap on the Houthi Attacks
On June 12, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels targeted the M/V Tutor, a cargo ship flagged by Liberia and owned and operated by Greece. They used an unmanned surface vessel (USV) to attack the ship, causing significant damage to the engine room and flooding.
Tragically, one crew member is still missing. The remaining crew abandoned the ship and were thankfully rescued by a combined force, including the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). The M/V Tutor is currently adrift in the Red Sea, taking on water.
In a separate incident on June 13, the M/V Verbena, a cargo ship flagged by Palau, owned by Ukraine, and operated by Poland, was struck by two missiles from the Houthis.
Adding further fuel to the fire, a separate CENTCOM update revealed that an Iranian frigate, the IRIN Jamaran, was positioned a mere eight nautical miles from the M/V Verbena when the distressed cargo ship issued a distress call.
The report scathingly criticized the Iranian vessel for failing to respond and render assistance.
The M/V Verbena’s crew was ultimately rescued by another vessel, the M/V Anna Meta, after being forced to abandon ship due to uncontrollable fires ignited by the Houthi attack.
“This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” CENTCOM stated.
CENTCOM Response to Houthi Threats
The following day, CENTCOM reported it successfully struck two Houthi USVs in the Red Sea and one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen in response to these assaults.
It also detailed the destruction of seven Houthi radars in Yemen, along with two Houthi USVs (drone boats) and a single Houthi drone operating over the Red Sea.
The report further stated that these actions were necessary to deter future attacks and safeguard vital shipping lanes.
“It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to US, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region,” CENTCOM wrote in a social media post. “This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition, and merchant vessels.”
Escalating Tensions Threaten Regional Stability
These developments paint a picture of a rapidly escalating situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis’ attacks on commercial shipping, coupled with the Iranian frigate’s inaction, raise serious concerns about regional stability and the safety of civilian vessels traversing these crucial waterways.
CENTCOM’s decisive response signals a solid commitment to safeguarding maritime security and holding the Houthis accountable for their actions.
The international community will undoubtedly be watching closely as this situation unfolds.
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