Houthi Rebels Sink Bulk Carrier in Red Sea Escalation Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

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Jakarta, Kowantaranews.com -In a significant escalation of maritime conflict in the Red Sea, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have sunk the bulk carrier Tutor, resulting in the death of a mariner and marking the second ship lost in the rebels’ campaign. This event underscores the increasing threats to international shipping in this vital maritime corridor, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Attack on the Tutor

The Tutor, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated bulk carrier, was attacked by Houthi rebels using bomb-laden drone boats. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center confirmed the vessel’s sinking, noting the sighting of maritime debris and oil in the area. The attack, which killed a Filipino crew member, took place about a week prior to the vessel’s sinking.

The Houthi rebels released footage showing the attack, revealing that they used two different drone boats to strike the vessel from both sides and the stern. This attack, reminiscent of the 2000 USS Cole bombing by al-Qaida, highlights the growing sophistication and boldness of the Houthi maritime assaults.

Escalation of Maritime Conflict

The sinking of the Tutor represents a troubling escalation in the Houthi campaign against international shipping. Despite a concerted U.S.-led campaign to secure the region, the Houthis have managed to carry out near-daily attacks on commercial vessels and warships. The U.S. Navy, experiencing its most intense maritime combat since World War II, has been actively engaged in attempts to thwart these attacks.

The Houthis’ campaign has led to over 60 targeted attacks on vessels since November, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the death of four sailors. These attacks have severely disrupted maritime traffic through the Red Sea, a critical corridor for global shipping, leading to a 90% decline in container shipping since December, according to a U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report.

International Response

The international community, particularly the shipping industry, has condemned these attacks. A joint statement from the industry emphasized the critical role of seafarers and the unacceptable nature of these assaults. “It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed. This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now,” the statement read.

The U.S. military has responded with targeted airstrikes against Houthi positions. In recent operations, the U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of a ground control station and a command and control node in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, as well as two Houthi drone boats in the Red Sea.

Impact on the Region

The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea is intertwined with the broader geopolitical landscape, including the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have intensified their attacks as the conflict in Gaza escalates, leading to heightened tensions and instability in the region. The war in Gaza has resulted in over 37,000 Palestinian deaths and significant casualties in Israeli operations in the West Bank, further complicating the situation.

The Houthis have justified their attacks by claiming to target vessels linked to Israel, the United States, or Britain. However, many of the attacked ships have no direct connection to the Israel-Hamas conflict, indicating a broader strategy to disrupt international shipping and exert pressure on the involved nations.

Historical Context

The use of explosive-laden boats by the Houthis echoes the tactics used in the 2000 attack on the USS Cole, where a suicide assault by al-Qaida killed 17 sailors. This historical parallel highlights the persistent threat posed by non-state actors using asymmetric warfare tactics to challenge conventional military forces and international norms.

The Houthis’ maritime campaign began in earnest in November, with a series of high-profile attacks that have significantly disrupted maritime operations in the Red Sea. In March, the Belize-flagged Rubymar, carrying fertilizer cargo, sank after taking on water for days following a Houthi attack, illustrating the prolonged and destructive nature of these assaults.

U.S.-Led Campaign

The U.S. has led a campaign to counter the Houthi threat, deploying significant naval resources to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Despite these efforts, the Houthis continue to launch attacks, underscoring the challenges faced by conventional military forces in securing such a vast and strategically important area.

The U.S.-led airstrike campaign has been ongoing since January, targeting Houthi positions and attempting to disrupt their operations. A notable series of strikes on May 30 resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and injuries to 42 others, according to rebel reports. These strikes aim to degrade the Houthis’ operational capabilities, but the persistence of their attacks indicates a resilient and adaptive adversary.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The environmental impact of the Tutor’s sinking, with oil and debris sighted in the Red Sea, adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. The Red Sea is a crucial ecological zone, and oil spills from sunken vessels pose a significant threat to marine life and coastal communities.

Economically, the disruption of shipping through the Red Sea has far-reaching implications. As much as 15% of the world’s maritime traffic passes through this corridor, and the decline in container shipping affects global supply chains. The increased insurance costs and the potential rerouting of ships to avoid the conflict zone further strain the global economy.

The sinking of the Tutor by Houthi rebels represents a significant escalation in the conflict in the Red Sea, with far-reaching implications for international shipping, regional stability, and global supply chains. The international community, led by the U.S., continues to grapple with the challenge of securing this vital maritime corridor against a determined and capable adversary.

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to influence regional dynamics, the situation in the Red Sea remains volatile. The Houthis’ persistent attacks underscore the need for a comprehensive and coordinated international response to ensure the safety of maritime operations and the protection of seafarers who play a critical role in maintaining global trade and economic stability. *Mukroni

Source africanews.com

Photo Kowantaranews