In the still of the early hours around 1 a.m last Saturday local time, a Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned oil tanker named Wind found itself in the crosshairs of Yemen’s Houthi rebels. A ballistic missile, launched with destructive intent, struck the vessel as it navigated the strategic waters of the Red Sea, adding a stark reminder of the ongoing volatility in one of the world’s most crucial maritime trade routes.
The attack, which did not immediately draw a claim from the rebels, was confirmed by the US military’s Central Command. It marked another episode in a series of aggressive moves by the Houthis, ostensibly as part of their protest against Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. The group, supported by Iran, has launched over 50 attacks since November, including the seizure and sinking of ships, a brazen challenge to the international maritime order.
The targeted vessel, the Wind, had recently docked in Russia . Iran’s support of the Houthis is well-documented, and the incident underscores the tangled web of alliances and interests that permeate the region.
Despite the severity of the strike, the crew aboard the M/T Wind demonstrated resilience and expertise, managing to restore propulsion and steering after the missile caused flooding and a temporary loss of these critical functions. The US Central Command noted, “The crew of M/T Wind was able to restore propulsion and steering, and no casualties were reported. M/T Wind resumed its course under its own power.” This ability to recover amid adversity ensured that there were no fatalities or long-term incapacitation of the ship.
The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, along with private security firm Ambrey, corroborated the incident, with Ambrey adding that the missile impact sparked a fire aboard the Wind. This detail illustrates the immediate danger posed to the crew and the potential environmental hazards such an attack could have engendered.
The Houthi missile strike on Wind is more than an isolated event; Since the outbreak of Israel’s war with Hamas, the Houthis have attacked or threatened more than 100 commercial or military ships in the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden. The Red Sea is a gateway to the Suez Canal, leading to the Mediterranean, and is vital for shipping between Asia, Europe, and beyond. The attack’s timing, amidst the US and UK-led airstrikes in Yemen targeting Houthi capabilities.Furthermore, the US military frequently carries out defensive strikes against Houthi missiles and drones upon detecting Houthi preparations for an attack.
While the direct link between the attacked ships and Israel may be tenuous, as U.S. officials point out, the symbolism is evident. The Houthis assert their strikes are a form of protest against Israeli military operations in Gaza and the perceived U.S. complicity. Over 35,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the war between Israel and Hamas escalated.
Shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remains depressed due to the persistent threat posed by such attacks. This has had rippling effects on global trade, as vessels are forced to take lengthier, costlier routes to avoid the volatile region—a situation that only amplifies the strategic significance of these waterways and the imperative for stability.
Relevant articles:
– Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch a missile that strikes an oil tanker in the Red Sea, US military says, ET EnergyWorld , ETEnergyWorld, 05/20/2024
– Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch a missile that strikes an oil tanker in the Red Sea, US military says, ABC News, 05/18/2024
– Houthi missile strikes Greek-owned oil tanker in Red Sea, U.S. says, CBS News, 05/18/2024
– An oil tanker going from Russia to China is hit by a Houthi missile in the Red Sea, U.S. military says, Fortune, 05/18/2024
– Latest Houthi strike in Red Sea hits oil tanker: US officials, The Hill, 05/18/2024
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