Houthi militants target ships in new Red Sea attacks

Yemen's Houthi militants launched two separate attacks Monday, July 15, on ships in the Red Sea, escalating tensions in this vital maritime corridor. The initial attack targeted the MT Bentley I, a Panama-flagged and Israeli-owned vessel, off the coast of Yemen.

Three Houthi vessels attempted to breach the ship, leading to a 15-minute defense by the crew before the attackers withdrew. The ship's captain later reported that three waves of missiles exploded near the vessel.

In a second incident, the MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker, was struck by an unmanned aerial vehicle. The drone hit the tanker's port side, causing minor damage.

All crew members from both ships were reported safe.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the incidents, denouncing the Houthis' actions as reckless and destabilizing. This happens as the USS Theodore Roosevelt heads to the region to replace the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which has been countering Houthi threats for months.

These latest attacks are part of an ongoing pattern since November 2023. During this period, the Houthis have targeted over 70 vessels, resulting in the deaths of four sailors and significant disruptions to maritime traffic. Attacks peaked in June, reaching levels not seen since the previous December. One recent strike even sank the bulk carrier Tutor.

As a result, container shipping through the Red Sea has plummeted by 90% since December, according to the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.

The Houthis assert that their attacks target vessels linked to Israel, the United States or Britain, purportedly supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel. However, many of the targeted ships have no direct connection to this conflict.

In response, the international community, led by the U.S., has intensified its military and diplomatic efforts against the Houthis. U.S.-led airstrikes have increased since January, with significant strikes in May killing at least 16 people.

The Ike Carrier Strike Group is returning to Norfolk, Virginia, after an extended deployment, with the crew is being recognized for their role in one of the most intense naval conflicts since World War II. This marks the first time a carrier has operated in Middle Eastern waters since the end of the Afghanistan War in 2021.

The carrier's deployment involved approximately 14,000 flight missions targeting Houthi drones and attack boats, launching a total of 155 standard missiles, 135 Tomahawk missiles, 60 air-to-air missiles and 420 air-to-surface weapons.

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