NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – U.S and allied forces are mobilizing in response to a surge in Houthi attacks targeting crucial shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Over the past month, Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have executed over 100 attacks on a dozen commercial and merchant vessels, marking a “very significant breadth of attacks” not witnessed in decades, according to a senior U.S. military official on Tuesday.
The United States has unveiled an augmented naval protection force deployed in the southern Red Sea to counter the escalating assaults by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on merchant vessels. While Britain confirmed its participation, notable omissions include Arab nations Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Analysts anticipate ongoing disruptions to shipping and persisting attacks despite these defensive measures.
These attacks, employing ballistic missiles and drones, represent a substantial shift in the security landscape, surpassing the situation just two months ago, as stated by the official.
The Red Sea, a vital maritime trade route, has seen widespread repercussions, with at least 44 countries having connections to the targeted vessels. The international trade landscape is experiencing disruptions due to the attacks.
Major corporations, including oil giant BP and shipping company Maersk, have announced the suspension of their operations in the Red Sea due to the persistent attacks in recent weeks. The impact is reflected in the sharp rise of oil and gas prices following BP’s decision.
Adding to the complexity, local officials in Somalia’s Puntland reported that Somali pirates hijacked a Maltese-flagged merchant vessel, steering it near the town of Bareeda.
Approximately half of the vessel’s crew are Bulgarians, according to officials. Puntland’s Minister of Ports, Ahmed Yasin, expressed concern that the pirates have regrouped and are determined to resume piracy activities, potentially recruiting additional armed individuals.
Maritime security sources note that this incident marks the first merchant ship hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017.