The United States military has taken decisive action in Yemen, destroying an Iranian-backed Houthi land attack cruise missile (LACM) that posed a significant threat to US and coalition forces, along with merchant vessels operating in the region. According to an official statement released by USCENTCOM, the LACM was deemed an imminent danger and required immediate action to ensure the safety of personnel and maritime traffic. The statement emphasized that these actions were undertaken to protect freedom of navigation and enhance security in international waters.
This incident comes on the heels of reports of attacks on two ships near the Yemen coast. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKTMO) reported that a ship was struck by a missile approximately 125 nautical miles east of Aden, southern Yemen. The vessel’s captain described the incident as an “unknown explosive” hitting the ship, which potentially caused a fire. While there were no actual fires, water ingress, or oil leakage, the ship continued its journey to the next port.
Earlier, UKMTO reported another incident 170 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. The captain of a merchant vessel reported that their armed security team observed a small explosion near the ship. Thankfully, there was no damage to the vessel and the crew remained safe, allowing the ship to proceed to its next port.
These events have heightened tensions in the West Asia region, following the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran during an official visit to Iran and Hezbollah’s top military leader Faud Shukr in an airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been actively engaged in a campaign of missile and drone attacks targeting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since Israel launched an invasion of Gaza last October.
The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen after nearly a decade of conflict against a Western-backed and Saudi-led coalition, have voiced their support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This has led to a surge in drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden since November 2023.
The Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, resulting in casualties, vessel seizures, and disruptions to global trade routes. This aggressive campaign has forced shipping firms to seek alternative routes, impacting approximately 12 per cent of global trade that traverses the Red Sea.
