Yemen’s Houthi rebels, in a provocative display of maritime aggression, have targeted the Star Iris, a Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier, firing two missiles at the vessel as it journeyed through the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The ship, which was transporting Brazilian corn to Bandar Khomeini in Iran, sustained minor damage but reported no casualties among its crew, a stroke of fortune in the escalating series of attacks impacting the Red Sea, a crucial artery for global trade.
Authorities have reported the vessel remained seaworthy and continued on its path to its next port of call despite the assault. The U.S. military’s Central Command affirmed the cargo as Brazilian corn intended for Iran, highlighting the complex geopolitical threads woven through this incident. Corn, a significant Brazilian export to Iran, is typically utilized in animal feed, and its trade is exempt from U.S. sanctions currently imposed on the Islamic Republic.
The attack on the Star Iris is the latest in a string of assaults by the Houthi movement, which has demonstrated an increasing willingness to target commercial shipping, including vessels with tenuous or no direct links to their stated adversaries. The Houthis, who receive backing from Iran, have justified these actions as retaliatory measures in response to perceived “Zionist crimes against our brothers in the Gaza Strip,” as articulated by Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, and against what they describe as the ongoing “American-British aggression against our dear country.”
In light of these attacks, international maritime traffic in the region is now under a cloud of risk. Several shipping companies have reconsidered their routes, preferring longer and costlier paths to avoid the danger zone in the Red Sea. The repercussions are felt far beyond the local conflict, as these routes serve as essential conduits for trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Moreover, the Houthis attempted to paint the Star Iris as an “American” vessel, a tactic potentially aimed at garnering wider attention or stoking international tensions. However, records show the ship is owned by the Athens-based company Star Bulk Carriers Corp. and flies the Marshall Islands flag, exposing the misrepresentation in the rebels’ claim.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center has monitored the situation, echoing the reports of the two missile strikes and confirming the safety of the vessel and its crew. The ship’s captain detailed minor damage from the assault, allowing the Star Iris to continue its voyage.
Relevant articles:
– Yemen’s Houthi rebels fire missiles at ship bound for Iran, their main supporter
– Houthis target ship in Red Sea bringing corn to Iran, i24NEWS, Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:45:07 GMT
– Houthi Rebels Target Commercial Ship Carrying Corn to Iran: A Dangerous Escalation in the Red Sea, BNN Breaking, Tue, 13 Feb 2024 03:25:59 GMT
– Houthis strike Iran-bound cargo ship in Red Sea, Firstpost, Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:52:56 GMT