Barran Press
The Red Sea has become a hotbed of escalating tensions as Houthi forces continue to target commercial vessels, prompting a strong response from the US military.
On Sunday, June 23rd, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a commercial ship was damaged in an attack 65 nautical miles west of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. The ship's captain reported being struck by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), causing damage to the vessel. UKMTO urged ships to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
In a separate incident, UKMTO received a distress call from a ship 96 nautical miles southeast of Nishtun. Details surrounding this incident remain unclear.
Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the destruction of three Houthi-operated unmanned boats in the Red Sea. CENTCOM also stated that the Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen towards the Gulf of Aden. While no injuries or significant damage were reported to US, coalition, or commercial vessels, CENTCOM emphasized the threat posed by these weapons.
"These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer for US, coalition, and commercial vessels," CENTCOM declared.
However, CENTCOM vehemently denied Houthi claims of a successful attack on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). "Recent claims of a successful attack by Houthi forces on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) are categorically false," CENTCOM stated.
The US military condemned the Houthis' actions, calling them "malicious and reckless" and a threat to regional stability. CENTCOM vowed to continue working with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and undermine their military capabilities.
On Saturday, June 22nd, the Houthis, designated as a terrorist group by several countries, claimed to have targeted the USS Eisenhower with ballistic and cruise missiles in the northern Red Sea. This followed an announcement by the US Navy that Eisenhower was leaving the Red Sea.
Since November 2023, Houthi forces have launched missile and UAV attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, driving up maritime insurance costs and prompting many shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In December 2023, the US, a key ally of Israel, formed a multinational coalition to protect maritime navigation from attacks by the Houthi group. Meanwhile, US forces have carried out strikes against Houthi military targets on several occasions.