In the latest string of attacks, the Iranian-backed
Houthi militants in Yemen targeted a ship carrying humanitarian aid to the Port
of Aden in Yemen. The incident occurred on February 19, between 12:30 p.m. and
1:50 p.m. local time, when two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched at
the M/V Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged bulk carrier owned by a U.S.
company.
Fortunately, one of the missiles detonated near the
ship, causing minor damage. Despite the attack, the crew courageously
maintained their course, determined to deliver crucial grain supplies to the
port of Aden in Yemen. The Houthis’
aggressive action has worsened the already disrupted situation in Yemen in
addition to endangering the safety of marine navigation. According to
reports from the U.S. Central Command, almost eighty per cent of Yemen’s
population urgently needs aid, making it one of the most significant
humanitarian crises globally.
The frequent assaults on commercial shipping in the
region have significantly affected marine commerce via the Red Sea, forcing
ships to seek alternative routes, including circumnavigating Africa’s southern
point. While the Houthis claim their strikes are in response to perceived
injustices, including Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Centcom has reaffirmed that the Sea Champion’s purpose is only
humanitarian.
The United States and the United Kingdom have
launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi locations in Yemen as part of
their efforts to stop the attacks. Despite
these steps, militants continue to pose a substantial threat to marine security
and humanitarian operations in the region, emphasizing the critical need for a
coordinated international response to prevent further escalation and ensure the
safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen