Israeli warplanes recently launched airstrikes on a seaport and power plants in Yemen in response to Houthi rebel attacks on central Israel. The strikes targeted oil infrastructure in Hodeidah and Ras Issa, with no immediate casualties reported. This reflects ongoing tensions between Israel, the Houthi rebels, and Hezbollah in the region.
A merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea narrowly escaped a missile attack, as reported by UKMTO. The Liberian-flagged container ship, MSC SARAH V, was targeted but remained unharmed. The incident, believed to be linked to the vessel’s perceived association with Israel, highlights the ongoing security threats in the region. The need for increased security measures to protect maritime activities is evident.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London condemned attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, calling them illegal and unjustifiable. The resolution demanded the immediate release of hostages and urged peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis. The Red Sea is a crucial route for oil and fuel shipments.
A Panamanian-flagged crude oil tanker was attacked near the Yemeni Red Sea port of Mocha, British security firm Ambrey reported. The ship was hit by a missile, causing a fire on board. Other vessels were warned to be cautious in the area. Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping.
An Iranian ship, Behshad, linked to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, is returning to Iran amidst preparations for a potential Israeli attack. The USA accuses Iran of involvement, while Tehran denies it. The ship’s movements follow a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, escalating tensions in the region.
Houthi forces in Yemen targeted British, U.S., and Israeli ships with missiles and drones, impacting global shipping. The U.S. retaliated against the group by destroying their weapons system and intercepting an unmanned aerial vehicle. British security firm Ambrey reported an attack in the Gulf of Aden, urging vessels to stay vigilant.
The US may lift the terrorist designation on Yemen’s Houthis if ship attacks cease in the Red Sea, aiming for diplomatic solutions. Talks with Oman and Saudi officials indicate a desire for peace and de-escalation. The Houthis could demonstrate goodwill by releasing a kidnapped crew to restart UN peace talks in Yemen.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis threaten to continue attacking British ships in the Gulf of Aden after sinking the Rubymar. Houthi deputy foreign minister vows more attacks, accusing Britain of supporting America’s crimes against Gaza. US and Britain retaliated with strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Global shipping disrupted, fearing regional destabilization.
The cargo ship Rubymar, attacked last month, has sunk in the Red Sea. Yemen’s government confirmed the incident and expressed concerns about an environmental disaster. Houthi militants have been targeting commercial vessels in the region since November. The U.S. military reported the ship was carrying 41,000 tons of fertilizer.
Houthi fighters and their Iranian backers are preparing for a protracted confrontation with the US and its allies around the Red Sea, regardless of the outcome of the war between Israel and Hamas. The Yemen-based group is bolstering its military and defense capabilities to continue attacking ships around the vital waterway, according to several people familiar with the situation.
A missile attack on a Russian fuel tanker in the Gulf of Aden signals increased risk for the oil market. The Houthis’ targeting of US, British, and Israeli-affiliated ships means more Russian oil shipments could be at risk, impacting global supply. Insurance costs may rise, and owners and crews could reconsider Red Sea transit.
Iran-backed Hezbollah warned of the dangers posed to maritime shipping in the Red Sea due to US actions, stating that the area has become a conflict zone. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah declared continued Houthi attacks on Israeli ships, calling for an end to aggression against Gaza. The situation has fueled fears of further escalation in the Middle East.
Oil and fuel tanker traffic in the Red Sea remained stable in December, despite attacks by Iran-allied Houthi fighters. The attacks have increased transportation costs and insurance premiums, but have had less impact on oil flows than feared as shippers continue to use the crucial east-west passage. Some companies have diverted their ships, while others continue to use the Red Sea route.
