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Edited by: Fern Sidman
The US Central Command (CentCom) confirmed that the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned container ship, was struck by a missile while navigating the Red Sea. According to a Times of Israel report, this marks the first successful attack since the launch of an international coalition aimed at patrolling the key maritime route just ten days ago. The incident underscores the persistent threats posed by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group, which controls parts of Yemen and has been responsible for nearly two dozen attacks on merchant vessels in the region, the TOI report added.
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported on the Maersk vessel, and it remains seaworthy, able to continue its journey.
In response to the distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, the USS Gravely, an American warship, successfully shot down two ballistic missiles. The USS Labboon also joined in the response efforts. As was reported by the TOI, both missiles were fired from a region in Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebel group, which has been actively targeting merchant vessels in an attempt to disrupt traffic through the Bab al Mandeb strait connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
The international coalition, consisting of warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, has been actively patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden. According to US Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who heads the 5th Fleet, since the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles have been intercepted by the coalition, according to information provided in the TOI report. The objective of this joint effort is to safeguard maritime traffic and prevent attacks on merchant vessels.
Denmark recently joined the international coalition, further highlighting the growing concern over the security of the Red Sea. The TOI report also said that the decision to participate in the coalition came a day before the Maersk Hangzhou incident, demonstrating the urgency felt by nations to protect their vessels from potential attacks.
The Houthi rebel group, backed by Iran, has openly threatened to attack vessels they perceive as connected to Israel, particularly those going to or coming from the country. As was noted in the TOI report, this threat has expanded to include a broader range of vessels, with container ships and oil tankers flagged to various nations facing attacks or missile fire. The recent strike on the Maersk Hangzhou adds to the series of maritime incidents, heightening concerns about the safety of vessels navigating the Red Sea.
The missile attack on the Maersk Hangzhou in the Red Sea emphasizes the persistent challenges faced by the international coalition in ensuring the safety of maritime traffic in the region. As tensions escalate and threats from Houthi rebels continue, the collaborative efforts of the coalition become increasingly vital. The incident underscores the need for a robust and coordinated response to safeguard the strategic waterway and protect the vessels navigating through this critical maritime passage.
