US Conducts Cyberattack On Suspected Iranian Spy Ship Linked To Houthis

The United States carried out a covert cyberattack on an Iranian naval ship suspected of providing support to Houthi rebels in Yemen. The mission was directed towards the MV Behshad, which was allegedly collecting information to make the Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea more effective.

The cyberattack, which happened more than a week ago, coincides with rising U.S.-Iranian tensions after a drone strike in Jordan left three American soldiers dead and numerous more injured. U.S. officials state the Behshad operates as a link for targeting information to be provided to the Houthi militants, despite Iran’s claims that it is a “floating armoury” against piracy.

The administration hasn’t acknowledged the mission publicly, keeping with its undercover operations philosophy. Sources with knowledge of the situation, however, indicate that the cyberattack was a reaction to regional violence by Iranian-backed militias, notably the strike that occurred in Jordan last month.

Although Iran denies having any military ties to the Behshad, analysts imply the same differently. The ship, formerly known as the Saviz, has been connected to helping the Houthi rebels in Yemen receive weapons shipments. Suspicion regarding Behshad’s involvement increased after it was moved from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and the Houthi missile assaults shifted in direction.

The timing of the cyber operation highlights the Biden administration’s dedication to provide varied responses to Iranian actions. The United States launched airstrikes in Syria and Iraq on the 2nd of February as part of its response. In addition, a commander of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah group, thought to be behind the attack in Jordan, was killed by a drone strike in Baghdad.

The fact that Iran continues to back its proxies throughout the region despite retaliatory actions from the United States highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries. The Pentagon has not formally verified the cyberattack on the Behshad. Still, authorities have clarified that they know the vessel’s actions and Iran’s continued participation in the area.

The Behshad attack underscores the strategic importance of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden maritime routes, which handle about 12% of all commerce in the world daily. Shipping giants like Maersk have halted operations in the area due to the Houthi attacks that have occurred since November, increasing concerns about possible disruptions to global trade routes.

Iran claims that Behshad is not guilty. Still, the covert hacking is an alarming sign of the growing tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as the continuous desire for dominance in the strategically significant Middle East.

Reference: NBCNews, Daily Wire

US Conducts Cyberattack On Suspected Iranian Spy Ship Linked To Houthis appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News