Yemeni Houthi rocket attacks. Igniting global discord and threatening international trade in the Red Sea
"The actions of Houthi forces are destabilizing and dangerous, forming an international problem that needs a global solution," Ryder stated in a press conference. He recalled the recent attack by the Houthis on the Norwegian tanker, Strinda, earlier on Tuesday.
8:42 AM EST, December 13, 2023
Attack on a ship
General Patrick Ryder also confirmed that Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin is set to visit the Middle East next week and is expected to stop at Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar among other locations.
The French Ministry of Defense reported earlier on Tuesday that the French frigate, Languedoc, intercepted and destroyed a drone. This unmanned aircraft was a threat to the Norwegian tanker, Strinda, in the Red Sea. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for this attack, framing it as a protest against Israeli bombings in Gaza.
Ashdod Port's management - the largest cargo port in Israel - has raised an alarm that rocket attacks by the Houthi movement on ships and vessels in the region pose a significant threat to international trade.
In a statement, the Houthis warned that any ship sailing to Israel would come under attack and urged ship owners to refrain from using Israeli ports. They declared that these attacks would carry on until Israel halted its offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Houthis issue warning
Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, leader of the Supreme Revolutionary Committee of the Houthi in Yemen, took to 'Platform X' to caution about the risks cargo ships may face when traversing the Red Sea.
His post conveyed that no ship should sail on the Red Sea towards the occupied Palestinian territories, adding that all units venturing through Yemeni waters should keep their radios switched on for quick response to any communication attempts by the Houthis.
He also suggested avoiding "misrepresenting their identity" and the act of flying any flag other than the flag of the ship's home country.
