In the bustling Red Sea, where ships navigate through one of the world's busiest waterways, a recent event has caught global attention.
As reported by Reuters, the Houthis, a group in Yemen, claimed they hit a tanker named Andromeda Star in the Red Sea with missiles.
This targeted attack is part of a series of assaults on commercial ships in a show of support for Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza war.
According to reports from British maritime security firm Ambrey the Andromeda Star sustained damage.
Remarkably, the vessel was en route from Russia to India when attacked, highlighting the vulnerability of maritime routes in the region.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier sailed out of the Red Sea via the Suez Canal on Friday after assisting a U.S.-led coalition to protect commercial shipping.
Additionally, the Houthis said they shot down an MQ-9 drone in airspace of Yemen's Saada province.
Here’s what you know about Red Sea and Houthis:
The Red Sea is one of the first large bodies of water mentioned in recorded history. The Red Sea contains some of the world’s hottest and saltiest seawater.
Its significance cannot be overstated as it serves as a vital link between Europe, Asia, and East Africa, it lies just south of the renowned Suez Canal.
This strategic waterway facilitates around 12% of global trade, including 30% of global container traffic.
While, the billions of dollars' worth of goods passing through annually underscore the Red Sea's critical role in global commerce.
Red Sea focal point occupied by Yemen Houthis:
At Red Sea's southern tip lies the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a narrow passage between Djibouti and Yemen, which has become a focal point for Houthi rebel attacks.
Moreover, the Houthis, controlling significant portions of Yemen's western coast, including the Red Sea, have emerged as a potent force in the region.
Aligned with Iran but maintaining political autonomy, they have chosen to involve themselves in the Israel-Hamas conflict, diverging from the stance of other Muslim nations and groups.
Houthis have since launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on commercial ships. Of these, 34 have resulted in reported damage to vessels.
As tensions persist and maritime security remains a concern, the Red Sea continues to be a focal point of global attention, underscoring the complexities of geopolitics and trade in the Middle East.
