In a concerning development, two Liberian-flagged ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait fell victim to attacks originating from Houthi-controlled Yemen on Friday, according to a statement from a U.S. defense official. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Iran-aligned Houthi group to vessels navigating key shipping lanes.
Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk promptly announced the suspension of all container shipments through the Red Sea until further notice in response to the attacks. German container line Hapag Lloyd is also considering a similar precautionary measure.
The first attack involved a projectile, believed to be a drone, striking the German-owned Al Jasrah, resulting in a fire but no reported injuries, as confirmed by the U.S. official. The second attack saw the firing of two ballistic missiles, one of which hit another vessel, leading to a fire that the crew was actively addressing. The U.S. Navy dispatched a destroyer to assist the affected vessel, although it was not explicitly named in the official statement.
The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that missiles were launched at two ships, namely the MSC Alanya and MSC Palatium III. Notably, the Houthi statement made no reference to the Al Jasrah.
In response to the Houthi claim, an MSC spokesperson refuted any attack on the Alanya. Regarding the alleged assault on the Palatium III, the spokesperson offered no additional comments.
The situation underscores the volatile nature of the region and the potential risks faced by maritime traffic in strategically significant waterways. The decisions by Maersk and Hapag Lloyd to temporarily halt Red Sea shipments reflect the seriousness of the security concerns arising from these attacks.
