Houthis Target Ship Carrying Humanitarian Aid En Route To Yemen

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.

Centcom condemned the strike in a statement, highlighting the negative impact of Houthi aggression on humanitarian efforts and the importance of uninterrupted aid deliveries to Yemen. The Sea Champion, despite being targeted, has a remarkable history of delivering humanitarian aid 11 times in the past five years.

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.

Another ship, the Rubymar, had a similar experience over the weekend, with its crew being forced to abandon ship due to an attack. Despite Houthi declarations that the Rubymar had sunk, U.S. and U.K. officials confirmed that the vessel remained afloat, highlighting the ongoing threat presented by Houthi terrorists in the area.

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.

Reference: Centcom

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Source: Maritime Shipping News